Truth and Reconciliation Week

September 23 – 30, 2024

Thank you for joining us for Truth and Reconciliation Week. In recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, DWF is offering a week of learning and reflection, including webinars and resources to support your ongoing reconciliation journey.

About Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

In June 2021, the federal government announced the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, to be recognized on September 30 each year. This day fulfills the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call-to-Action #80 and serves as a day of remembrance, reflection, action, and learning. Since 2013, September 30 has been known as Orange Shirt Day, a day to recognize the tragic history and legacy of residential schools through the story of Phyllis Webstad.

DWF EVENTS

Sept. 23-25, 2024 | Lil’wat Teachings with Talon Pascal – A 3-part mini-series

Talon Pascal is a member of the Lil’wat Nation and an archaeology student at Simon Fraser University. He has been learning about traditional Lil’wat practices since he was a child, and his goal is to pass his skills and knowledge on to preserve his traditions. In this mini-series, Talon will share traditional Lil’wat practices. Available with French subtitles.

September 23 | Part 1: The Art of Bow Making
- Lesson Plan (English)
- Plan de leçon (Français)
September 24 | Part 2: The Art of Flint Knapping
- Lesson Plan (English)
- Plan de leçon (Français)
September 25 | Part 3: The Art of the Canoe
- Lesson Plan (English)
- Plan de leçon (Français)

Watch on YouTube Watch on Facebook Watch on LinkedIn

Sept. 26, 2024 | DWF LIVE: Sports and Reconciliation with Dallas Soonias

Join us for a candid conversation with Dallas Soonias, former professional volleyball player and CBC Olympic Commentator for the 2024 Paris Olympics. Dallas will offer a recap of the 2024 Olympics, sharing his favourite moments from the Games, and draw from his experience representing Team Canada at the World Championships and the Pan American Games. This session will also explore the theme of sports and reconciliation, and how this medium can be used as a way to bring people together and create more inclusive spaces for Indigenous people. Dallas lives in Calgary, AB, and is a proud member of Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation.

Lesson Plan (English) Plan de leçon (Français) Watch on YouTube Watch on Facebook Watch on LinkedIn

Sept. 30, 2024 | A DAY TO LISTEN

6:00am – 6:00pm Local Time

Join us for the fourth annual A DAY TO LISTEN on September 30. To commemorate the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, DWF is proud to partner once again with major media outlets and radio stations throughout Canada on A DAY TO LISTEN 2024.

Learn More

IN-PERSON EVENTS

Echoes of Reconciliation Music & Arts Festival

Echoes of Reconciliation Music & Arts Festival
Burlington Music Centre, Burlington | September 20

DWF is participating in the Echoes of Reconciliation Music & Arts Festival, an evening of celebrating Indigenous artists, musicians, speakers, and wisdom keepers, each bringing their unique voice and perspective to the event. All are welcome to attend.

ReconciliACTION Market

St. Lawrence Market, Toronto | September 22

Join us at St. Lawrence Market in Downtown Toronto. The market will feature Indigenous artisans, food vendors, and performances from local Indigenous artists. All are welcome. No registration required.

Performance Schedule:

12:00pm – 12:30pm: Graeme Jonez

12:45pm – 1:15pm: LOR

1:00pm – 1:45pm: Tkaronto Métis Jiggers Dance Workshop

1:45pm – 2:15pm: Natasha Fisher

2:15pm – 3:00pm: Artist Talk with W’ dae b’ wae @ Market Gallery

2:30pm – 4:00pm: DJ Classic Roots

PARTNERSHIPS

Joe Fresh

Joe Fresh has partnered with Chris & Greg Mitchell of Born In The North to design an orange shirt. Raised in Halifax (Kjipuktuk) and now based in Toronto (Tkaranto) these Mi’kmaq artists explore the bond between humanity and nature. Their art brings visibility to the richness of contemporary Indigenous artistry.

100% of proceeds from this collection will be donated to DWF. Orange shirts are available in select stores and on joefresh.com now.

Wine Rack

Throughout September, Wine Rack stores across Ontario will be raising funds and awareness for DWF for the fourth year in a row.

A big Miigwetch to the Wine Rack Store Teams for helping us build awareness, education, and connections between all peoples in Canada! Visit downiewenjack.ca/winerack2024 to donate and learn how you can take reconciliACTION!

Tim Hortons

To honour Canada’s heritage and show support for Indigenous communities on Orange Shirt Day and National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Tim Hortons restaurants will be selling an Orange Sprinkle Donut with 100% of the proceeds being donated to five Indigenous organizations, including DWF.

On Monday, September 30, get your Orange Sprinkle Donut in-store, through the mobile app or a third-party delivery partner.

More resources for continued learning

Teaching Young Kids about Residential Schools

DWF LIVE with the Honourable Murray Sinclair

Made possible with support from

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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
N0A1M0