A bright splash of orange now greets visitors outside the Morden Civic Centre, offering more than just a place to sit. The City of Morden has installed an Every Child Matters bench, a permanent symbol of reflection, awareness, and commitment to truth and reconciliation. Built by Maverick Industries, the bench invites residents to pause, think, and honor the legacy of residential school survivors every day, not just on September 30. “As we walk by, we recognize that in the past we haven’t always shown that every child matters, But as we move forward, maybe as we walk by, we recognize that it’s not just Indigenous, but every race and every child and every person in this society matters.” - Diane Guilford of the Truth and Action Working Group A symbol beyond September 30 Mayor Nancy Penner said the city wanted to do something meaningful to show its ongoing commitment to reconciliation. “This bench is bright orange in colour and boldly states another truth that every child matters,” said Penner. “It serves as a powerful symbol and reminder to us that the spirit of truth and reconciliation cannot be confined to just one day.” Penner said the location of the bench was carefully chosen.“We felt this was just an appropriate, absolute perfect location for an orange bench right in front of Morden Civic Offices,” she said. “Every day we pass this bench or go for a walk, we can take a moment to reflect and remember those residential students that maybe didn’t come home. We owe that group of children respect and acknowledgement.” The mayor added that it is important for Morden to demonstrate its commitment in visible, practical ways. “It must involve a daily commitment to what tomorrow represents,” she said. “This bench is one way we can show that as a community.” Related stories: This Pembina Valley event is more than a walk — it’s a call to action Adoption through Truth and Reconciliation, a bond that grows from the land Community groups encouraged by City’s action Members of the Truth and Action Working Group joined city officials for the unveiling. Diane Guilford, a member of the group, said the moment was very meaningful for them. “It’s huge. It’s really huge,” she said. “How much it has meant to us that they have recognized us and invited us to join them today and tomorrow as we partner with the Orange Shirt Day walk.” Guilford said permanent reminders like this bench send a strong message. “As we walk by, we recognize that in the past we haven’t always shown that every child matters,” she said. “But as we move forward, maybe as we walk by, we recognize that it’s not just Indigenous, but every race and every child and every person in this society matters.” Her passion for reconciliation comes from personal experience. “I connected a lot with Indigenous peoples in Northern Ontario when I was living there and working there,” Guilford said. “They’re wonderful. These people took me in and held me. And I pray that they recognize that we care.” Continuing the journey The Truth and Action Working Group has been hosting learning events to help the community engage with reconciliation in practical ways. Guilford said interest continues to grow. “We get more and more people all the time,” she said. “And we have an event coming up October 20 where we’re having someone from a reserve speak about what it was like with a particular Indian agent who tried to experiment with agriculture and use the people so poorly.” Both Penner and Guilford stressed that reconciliation is an ongoing process that cannot be limited to one day on the calendar. The bench is meant to be a place where residents can pause, reflect, and recommit themselves to building understanding and respect in the community. How to Participate Residents are encouraged to visit the new orange bench outside the Morden Civic Centre on Stephen Street. On September 30, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a community walk will take place at 10 a.m., beginning at the Civic Centre, to honour the legacy of residential school survivors. Even if you read this after the walk, you can still take time to reflect at the bench and show your support. For those wanting to learn more, the Truth and Action Working Group is hosting an educational event on Monday, October 20 at 7 p.m. at St. Paul’s United Church. The session will feature speakers from local Indigenous communities sharing their experiences and insights. Taking part in the walk, visiting the bench, or attending learning events are all small but meaningful ways to acknowledge the past and commit to reconciliation in the community.