In observance of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we highlight the Gord Downie and Chanie Wenjack Fund. Founded in 2018, the Fund honours the memories of Chanie Wenjack – a young Anishinaabe boy who died from exposure and starvation after escaping from the horrific conditions of the Cecilia Jeffrey Residential School in Kenora, Ontario in 1966 – and Gord Downie – lead singer for The Tragically Hip who passed away following his brave battle with cancer in 2017 and a champion for Indigenous-settler relations in Canada.
Building on the legacies of these individuals, the Fund aims to create a “cultural understanding and carve a path toward reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples”. Together the Wenjack and Downie families are collaborating to improve the lives of Canada’s Indigenous communities by advancing the conversation that began with Chanie’s “residential school story, and “by building awareness, education, and connections between all peoples” in this country.
Situated on the traditional lands of several nations including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Gord Downie and Chanie Wenjack Fund is “an Indigenous-led organization with a core team of individuals who are committed to moving our mission forward”. Its passionate and talented Board of Directors is comprised of a team of Indigenous and non-Indigenous leaders “who collectively guide” the organization “to ensure the journey continues towards supporting a stronger Canada”.
The Fund “provides access to education on the true history of Indigenous people in Canada and the history and legacy of Residential Schools, and encourages reconciliation” through its series of programs including:
1) Legacy Schools
A free national initiative that engages, empowers and connects students and educators to advance reconciliation through awareness, education and action. The Fund provides “educational resources and program development for Legacy Schools to help ensure that the unique interests, rights, and perspectives of Indigenous peoples are recognized and implemented in schools and communities throughout Canada”.
2) Legacy Spaces
A program that offers safe, welcoming places where everyone can come to understand and learn “about Indigenous history and our journey of reconciliation”. Legacy Spaces “serves as a reminder for all who visit of the important work each of us needs to do if the promises of this country are to be fulfilled”.
3) Secret Path Week
From October 17th to the 22nd each year, the legacies of Gord Downie and Chanie Wenjack are celebrated through a series of events and activities that build awareness of the true history of residential schools and provide opportunities for people to create positive change in Canada.
4) ReconciliACTIONS
A reconciliACTION is a meaningful action that moves reconciliation forward. ReconciliACTIONs aim to bring Indigenous and non-Indigenous people together in the spirit of reconciliation to create awareness, share, and learn. It is the answer to Gord’s call to ‘Do Something’; do something to raise further awareness, do something that improves the lives of Indigenous people, do something that improves the relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. ReconciliACTIONs act as the catalyst for important conversations and meaningful change, recognizing that change starts with every one of us and each person can make an impact.
In 2021 the Gord Downie and Chanie Wenjack Fund maintained assets totalling $8,470,050 and allocated $1,093,249 towards the continued development and deployment of our Legacy School and Legacy Space programs.
To donate to the Gord Downie and Chanie Wenjack Fund and to learn about ReconciliACTIONs that you can take, please click on the button below:
