Indigenous History Month 2025

On June 2, 2015, The Honourable Justice Murray Sinclair, Chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC), released the TRC’s Summary Report, including the 94 Calls to Action. This Indigenous History Month, the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund (DWF) is honouring the past by looking back at the last 10 years of reconciliation in Canada and how, together, Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples have taken #reconciliACTION to move it forward. We’re also looking ahead and asking our community to share how we can continue to shape the future we want.

Follow DWF on social media and keep reading below to find ways to celebrate Indigenous History Month.

Honouring the Past

Recognizing the 10th Anniversary of the TRC:

Watch DWF LIVE with The Honourable Justice Murray Sinclair, former Senator of Canada and the Chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. He was a champion for Indigenous rights, having served as Manitoba’s first and Canada’s second Indigenous judge. He also oversaw the TRC from June 2009 to December 2015, where he heard the testimonies of thousands of residential school Survivors.
Read the reports issued or created by the TRC, including the 94 Calls to Action.
Find ways to take reconciliACTION, meaningful actions that move reconciliation forward, to support our collective reconciliation journey.

ReconciliACTIONs:

Share your vision for the future of reconciliation in Canada.
Participate in an event.
Follow @downiewenjack on Instagram, Facebook, X, and TikTok, and the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund on LinkedIn for a month of educational content, trivia, reconciliACTION highlights, and more!
Donate to DWF to support our programs, campaigns, and events that move reconciliation forward.

Shaping the Future

The Next 10 Years and Beyond:

We want to hear from you! Since the TRC released its final reports, only 15 Calls to Action have been completed. What do you want to see happen over the next 10 years and beyond?

Events:

Check out DWF’s Event Calendar to find an event near you.

Attending your first powwow? Here are some helpful tips so you can join in respectfully. Note that all powwows are different, just like the Nations and communities that host them, so please do your own research as well.

Do some research in advance. Learn about the host community, find out when each event begins, if there is an admission fee, and more.
Be respectful. Respect is key at powwows; they are an exciting celebration of culture and community. Be sure to ask permission before taking videos or photos. At a powwow, you may see beautiful dancing, regalia, and more, however, not every person or moment should be photographed. Simply ask first!
Ask questions and enjoy yourself! Powwows are a great way to learn about Indigenous cultures and support Indigenous communities. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or browse the vendors and events!

Follow @downiewenjack to keep learning about how to join in the celebrations near you!

Donate to the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund

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The Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund

Registered Charity Number: 784055915RR0001

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About 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. Our goal is to improve the lives of Indigenous people by building awareness, education, and connections between all peoples in Canada.

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E-mail: staff@downiewenjack.ca
Toll-free: 1-833-666-2414
Local: 519-964-0393

Address:
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OHSWEKEN, ON
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