Winter Break is nearly here! We wish you all a relaxing break and hope you all take time to reflect, relax, and regroup. It’s been a busy few months and we appreciate all you’ve done to make your learning environments more inclusive.
Each month, Indigenous artists and leaders join Legacy Schools classrooms and youth groups for live performances, storytelling, and more as we continue to explore how we can all move reconciliation forward. Sign up your Legacy School group for free to engage with our Artist Ambassadors through DWF LIVE and other events each month.
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DWF LIVE with FAWN WOOD
Born into the respected multi-generational traditional singing Wood family, Fawn Wood’s singing reflects her Cree and Salish tribal lineage. At an early age, Fawn would sing her heart out at powwows alongside her mother and father. In 2006, Fawn was the first woman to win the Hand Drum contest at the Gathering of Nations PowWow. In 2009 she opened the show at the 11th Annual Native American Music Awards (NAMMYS). In 2010 she also sang with her partner, Dallas Waskahat, for the opening of the Aboriginal People’s Choice Music Awards in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Onion Lake First Nation in Saskatchewan was treated to an in-person Artist Ambassador visit with Fawn Wood last month at both the Eagleview Middle School and Sakaskohc High School.
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Artist Ambassador Tom Wilson gives back at Immaculate Conception CES with students and staff.
We were thrilled to bring Artist Ambassador and singer/ songwriter, Tom Wilson, to Immaculate Conception Catholic Elementary School in Peterborough for a very special visit!
Sony Music Publishing (Sony) and the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund (DWF) partnered together as part of Sony’s Season of Giving 2022. In addition to a donation to DWF, Tom visited Immaculate Conception CES to share his music and discuss reconciliation with students.
Lovesick Lake Native Women’s Association were treated to new DWF sweaters at their end of year celebration.
On December 8th, students and educators from Immaculate Conception CES, representatives from DWF, Sony, and Lovesick Lake Native Women’s Association, and Trent University teacher candidates came together for a special performance and conversation with Tom. As it is the season of giving, DWF was pleased to be able to donate 300 orange shirts to the school, and 200 DWF sweaters to the Lovesick Lake Native Women’s Association as part of the event.
DWF’s Artist Ambassador program brings Indigenous and non-Indigenous musicians, artists, and others into Legacy Schools to inspire student leadership and move forward the journey of reconciliation in communities. Artists share their art, music, and stories through workshops and/or performances to engage students in learning and conversations about reconciliation.
Artist Ambassadors have visited schools and clubs in every province and territory this year reaching over 2,100 students in-person and online. Here are a few photos from these incredible events at Legacy Schools.
Morgan Toney gets the staff dancing at Port Elgin Regional School, NB.
Elder Dr. Bernie Francis shared his incredible knowledge of the Mi’kmaq language through song and story. Pictured here with Chris Demers, and Christina Sylliboy.
Becky Han reads from her book and sings in Inuktitut.
Peatr Thomas hosted a day of painting workshops at Mikisew High School where some serious talent was uncovered.
Julian Taylor speaks with BGC of Scarborough on September 30, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
“I loved what Julian shared about being Afro-Indigenous, and the connections with other cultures and experiences across the ‘Human Race’ (one of my new favourite songs). It was hard to not be emotional, listening to his lyrics.”
“You’ve found your place now, standin’ alongside the trees They tried to bury us, but they didn’t know we were seeds”
“I found the pain and resiliency conveyed through Julian’s art to be profoundly relatable to anyone who has survived conflict or oppression.“ – Club Staff
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.
Phone: 1-844-944-4545
E-mail: staff@downiewenjack.ca
Address:
PO BOX 749
OHSWEKEN, ON
N0A1M0
Gichi Magoshe Giizhigan – Feast Day 