In August of 2016, Gord Downie asked all people in Canada to look at the state of Indigenous and non-Indigenous relations in this country and to “Do Something” to change them for the better. In December of 2016, he was given the Lakota Spirit Name, Wicapi Omani, which can be translated as “Man who walks among the stars” for his reconciliACTIONs. Gord passed on October 17, 2017, and now every year, we honour Gord’s legacy by marking this as the first day of Secret Path Week.
Secret Path Week is a national movement that commemorates the legacies of Gord Downie and Chanie Wenjack. It takes place annually from October 17-22 — the days that Gord and Chanie respectively joined the spirit world. We call on all people in Canada to use Secret Path Week to answer Gord Downie’s call to action, to “Do Something” to further reconciliation, and take reconciliACTION.
This year, we have an incredible lineup of Indigenous artists, musicians, speakers, and more who will honour Gord and Chanie’s legacies by reminding us of the importance of reconciliation in our day-to-day lives. You won’t want to miss out, so be sure to register for our DWF LIVE events and check out the Events Calendar so you see what else we are getting up to for Secret Path Week:
Secret Path Week is also a great time to complete your Walk for Wenjack with friends, family, and your community – don’t forget to register to log your KMs here.
We hope you will join us for this week’s events!
Marsi/Miigwetch/Thank You,

Sarah Midanik
President & CEO
Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund
Donations to DWF contribute to reconciliation in Canada by supporting programs, campaigns, and events that serve to bring Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples and communities together. Thank you!