Waterloo Region — On September 30, a new Grand River Transit (GRT) Every Child Matters bus will travel throughout Waterloo Region in recognition of Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. 

Commissioned by the Reconciliation Action Partnership, the bus wrap features artwork by local Indigenous artist Kevin George and is part of the Every Child Matters campaign. The artwork will also appear on four Region of Waterloo ambulances and posters across the region, bringing Indigenous perspectives into shared public spaces and creating opportunities for Indigenous Peoples, local government and the Waterloo Region community to come together in the spirit of truth, reconciliation and hope. 

Kevin George is an Anishinaabe and Nehiyaw artist from Kettle and Stony Point First Nation who lives in Waterloo Region. In addition to his work at the University of Waterloo Libraries and other community involvement, he uses art to share Indigenous perspectives, spark dialogue and create spaces where people can connect with culture and community.   

Rooted in traditional teachings, Kevin’s artwork speaks to both the harms caused by residential schools and the enduring strength and resilience of Indigenous Peoples. It recognizes the grief carried across generations, as residential schools disrupted relationships with family, culture, language, community and land—impacts that continue to be felt today. 

"For generations, Indigenous people have been born into this legacy, grieving this loss. Only now are we starting to see a change,” Kevin explained. “The people are reclaiming those gifts, recovering those relationships, and creating a path for future generations." 

The artwork also reflects the ongoing work of reclamation. Through language revitalization, cultural practices, community connections and relationships with the land, Indigenous Peoples continue to carry traditions forward and build paths for future generations. 

“The Region of Waterloo is proud to share Kevin’s artwork across public transit, paramedic services, and public spaces to build awareness and understanding of the significance of September 30,” said Karen Redman, Regional Chair. “Together, we can encourage Waterloo Region residents to learn more about the harms caused by the residential school system and uplift Indigenous voices in our community.” 

The Reconciliation Action Partnership is a collaborative of municipal representatives working together to support Indigenous-centered initiatives across Waterloo Region. Its focus is on improving service delivery for Indigenous Peoples, building respectful relationships with Indigenous communities, meaningfully supporting Indigenous-led work, and fostering more inclusive communities and municipal workplaces.