This year’s theme is Mino Bimaadiziwin: Honouring Indigenous Identity.

Mino Bimaadiziwin means ‘the good life’ in Anishinabemowin. By celebrating the diversity of Indigenous identity, we are honouring the good way of life.

Guests will speak about Indigenous identity through conversations about representation in sports and entertainment, the fusion of traditional and contemporary music, land protection and the impacts of climate change, and more. Follow @downiewenjack to learn more.
 

About the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund (DWF)

• Inspired by Chanie’s story and Gord’s call to build a better Canada, the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund aims to build cultural understanding and create a path toward reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.
• Mission: Our goal is to improve the lives of Indigenous people by building awareness, education, and connections between all peoples in Canada.
• Chanie Wenjack was an Anishinaabe boy who in 1966 at age 12, ran away from Cecilia Jeffrey Residential School to try to get home. His body was found beside the railway tracks on October 22, 1966, a week after he fled. He succumbed to starvation and exposure.
• What we do:
  • DWF provides access to education on the true history of Indigenous Peoples in Canada and the true history and lasting impact of residential schools.
  • DWF encourages reconciliation through our programming and events, including reconciliACTIONs.
  • It is through our work that we are contributing to the shift in the collective consciousness of all peoples in Canada and moving reconciliation forward.

Our Work
The Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund (DWF) was created out of two families coming together to make change, uphold Chanie and Gord's legacies, and create a pathway on the journey toward reconciliation. DWF provides access to education on the true history of Canada and the true history and lasting impact of residential schools.

Educating all Canadians on the history and lasting impact of residential schools is a necessary and important component of reconciliation. DWF encourages reconciliation through our programs, campaigns, partnerships, and events, including reconciliACTIONs. It is through our work that we are contributing to the shift in the collective consciousness of all peoples in Canada and improving the lives of Indigenous people.

To learn more about DWF’s work, visit:  downiewenjack.ca and follow on social media @downiewenjack.
 

What is Reconciliation?

DWF recognizes that reconciliation is not easily defined; it is not linear and does not have a clear endpoint. To us, reconciliation is a continuous process, a journey that leads to improved outcomes for Indigenous people throughout Canada. Awareness of the past, an acknowledgement of harm, and action to change behaviour are integral to the process. Reconciliation is not just an Indigenous issue – it is a Canadian issue.
 

What are ReconciliACTIONs?

A reconciliACTION is a meaningful action that moves reconciliation forward. ReconciliACTIONs aim to bring Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples together in the spirit of reconciliation to create awareness, share, and learn. They act as a catalyst for important conversations and meaningful change, recognizing that change starts with every one of us. ReconciliACTIONs fulfill Gord’s call to action to #DoSomething.
 

What can Canadians do to help?

• Read the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action. Find one that you can start working on.
• Build relationships with Indigenous communities in your area.
• Continue learning. There are free courses available – find one.
• Support Indigenous artists and businesses.
• Sign the 215 Pledge
• Support DWF’s work – sign up to our newsletter and find ways to donate at downiewenjack.ca