DWF Workshops, Live Events, and Last Call for Youth Ambassadors!
As summer approaches, we are gearing up for some exciting events you won’t want to miss out on! The deadline for applications for our Legacy Schools virtual art workshops as well as our Youth Ambassador Program are fast approaching so be sure to submit yours today! Also, don’t forget to check out our latest Legacy Space partner, Bimbo Canada, and join us for more DWF Live events with special guests, Theland Kicknosway and Stephanie Harpe. For more information on what we are up to this month, check out all the details below!
Legacy Schools Virtual Art Workshops
Frances Palliser-Nicholas and Rebecca Salmonson from Atelihai (Welcome) Inuit are some of the artists who will be holding workshops teaching Legacy Schools how to make their own seal skin bracelet.Do you know a teacher or youth group that would like to participate in an interactive artist workshop for Indigenous History Month in June? We’re providing free workshops to Legacy Schools throughout Canada!
20 Legacy Schools groups will be chosen based on region, and the selected groups will be contacted by DWF.
What is the Legacy Schools Program?
The Legacy Schools program began five years ago with 300 schools pledging to take reconciliACTION. Since that time, the program has grown to over 5600 schools, with representation in every province and territory. By signing up, teachers and youth group leaders will receive free resources, which include copies of the Secret Path book, educational resources (virtual & in class), a reconciliACTION Guide, a DWF school flag, and access to over 650 free online resources.
Upcoming DWF LIVE
Theland Kicknosway | Singer and Grass and Hoop Dancer
When: Monday, April 11th at 11:00am EST
Theland is a member of Wolf Clan, of the Potawatami and Cree Nation, from Walpole Island, Bkejwanong Territory in Southern Ontario. He is a singer, a grass and hoop dancer, and helps in ceremonies in many places. In November 2015, at just 12 years old, Theland led the incoming Prime Minister and cabinet into the swearing-in ceremony with a drum song.
Stephanie Harpe | Voice for Indigenous Peoples Rights
When: Monday, April 25th at 1:00pm EST
Stephanie is an International Advocate for Murdered or Missing and Exploited Indigenous Peoples (MMEIP), a murder attempt survivor, and a family member of MMEIP who was also a part of public testimony for the national inquiry. Harpe is an acclaimed Indigenous advocate whose notable achievements include being a keynote speaker for the United Nations, traveling to 45 Indigenous communities in western Canada, and hosting a MMEIP support group for three years.
Youth Ambassador: Last chance to apply!
DWF is recruiting 100 Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth from throughout Canada to participate in an online, part-time summer program that will support them in becoming champions of reconciliation in their schools and communities. Youth will gain practical work experience, network, strengthen 21st-century skills, and gain leadership experience while learning about Canada’s true history of residential schools.
The Youth Ambassador program is open to Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth ages 16-25 years old from anywhere in Canada, including rural, remote, urban, and on reserve. Participants will receive an honorarium at the end of the program to honour their time, commitment, and participation.
“The Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund Youth Ambassador program is filled with great cultural and educational content. The toolkit that we received as a part of the program is curated with incredible hands-on activities that were brought to life by relevant and inspiring guest speakers. I would highly recommend this program to both Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth as I was engaged and challenged through the full 4 weeks of the program.”
-Isabelle Bailey, past program participant
Applications close: Friday, April 15, 2022
Legacy Spaces Update
The Bimbo Canada Legacy Space features a mural by Artist Ambassador Blake Angeconeb inspired by artistic elements from the Seven Teachings and the company’s commitment to ‘Moving Forward, Together’
Meet our Latest Partners:
Canada’s oldest and largest bakery, Bimbo Canada, launched the Legacy Space inside their head office in Etobicoke, Ontario on March 23. “Bimbo Canada believes reconciliation is an important social issue for all Canadians, including our associates,” says Teresa Schoonings, Senior Director of Sustainability for Bimbo Canada. “We are committed to doing our part to create a safe, welcoming space that provides education and spreads awareness about Indigenous history and our journey towards reconciliation.”
In April, Accenture Canada will launch their first Legacy Space inside their office in downtown St. Catharines, Ontario. Their Legacy Space features a mural and art installations by Waab-Shki-Makoons (Clayton Samuel King) who was born and raised in Niagara and is a member of Beausoleil First Nation. They plan to open a total of six Legacy Spaces throughout Canada!
