Spring is in the air, and DWF has some exciting things in the works for Legacy Schools! We are offering Artist Ambassador workshops to 20 lucky Legacy School classes or youth groups, prizes for you and your colleague when they join the program, incredible DWF LIVE performances, and more! Check out everything you need to help continue your reconciliation journey below!
Want to have your class learn how to make mini capotes from Métis artist, Casandra Woolever? Or perhaps you’d like to undertake a beading project with new Artist Ambassador, Marissa Groulx. Or maybe your students/youth are interested in storytelling from Bomgiizhik. Wherever your interest lies, we have a workshop for you!
We will be selecting 20 Legacy Schools groups based on region to receive an Artist Ambassador workshop. Applications close on April 14, 2023, and the selected groups will be contacted by DWF.
| APPLY TODAY |
Time is running out to enter to win exclusive DWF merch and amazing prizes from these Indigenous businesses!
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Help us expand the Legacy Schools program by referring a colleague. Entering is easy – your colleague(s) will simply complete the registration form. When they reach the question, How did you hear about the Legacy Schools program?, select Referral by a Friend/Colleague and enter the name and email of the person who referred them. Draws will be made in April.
With your help, we can make sure youth have access to educational resources and program development to help ensure that the unique interests, rights, and perspectives of Indigenous peoples are recognized and implemented in schools and communities throughout the country.
| ENTER TODAY |
DWF LIVE: Special Edition @ Ziigwan!
We have partnered with the Downtown Yonge Business Improve Area (DYBIA), in collaboration with ELMNT FM Radio, Red Music Rising, and Music Tourism, to present Ziigwan, an Indigenous music and arts festival, March 24-26 at Yonge-Dundas Square in Toronto. This three-day festival will transform Yonge-Dundas Square into an Indigenous music and art hub, as some of the country’s most prominent and emerging Indigenous artists take the stage for three straight days of free concerts.
Sunday, March 26 is also Family Day at Ziigwan, where GoodMinds Indigenous Books will sell a variety of books catered to children and youth, and the Strong Water Singers will facilitate learning activations so children and families can engage in meaningful conversations about Indigenous cultures.
Please let your students and their families know about this free event! Visit our website for the full artist lineup and schedule of events!
| RSVP ON FACEBOOK |
Want to ask Don Ross or Angela Miracle Gladue exciting questions or simply say hi? Sign up for an on-camera spot for our upcoming DWF lives. Spots are limited, so reserve today!
Don Ross – French 29 mars, 13 h HE
Angela Miracle Gladue April 26th, 1pm ET
| REGISTER HERE |
Your feedback is crucial to the success of the Legacy Schools program, and that is why we’d love to speak with you! Help shape the future of this free nationwide program by signing up for a short interview with team members from DWF.
| PROVIDE FEEDBACK |
Special guest, Barry Petahtegoose, at St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School’s Senior Boys Football game.
St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School in Sudbury, ON has taken part in various reconciliACTIONs throughout their school year. On September 30, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the senior boys football team showed their support during their game by wearing orange armbands and displaying a large ‘Every Child Matters’ banner. Invited to toss the coin at the game that day was Barry Petahtegoose, who is the son of residential school Survivor, Bernard Petahtegoose, who attended a Spanish residential school and passed away in 2020.
Learn about Indigenous athletes. Check out the ‘Indigenous Sport Heroes’ resource here!
St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School students attending ‘Truth. Resiliency. Hope.’ at Grace Hartman Amphitheatre.
Also on September 30, classes had the opportunity to attend the Grace Hartman Amphitheatre. A thought-provoking play and artistic film, “Truth. Resiliency. Hope.” featuring Indigenous storytelling, music, and dance was presented. The event was put on by the Indigenous Community Collective with many community partners. Several students wore their orange shirts in support of reconciliation and to honour those affected by the residential school system. After learning the true history of Canada and residential schools, students were left to think about what the next era of Canada could look like if we keep doing the work of reconciliation together.
Moving schools or leaving your role? Please let us know so we can send your booster toolkit to the correct location in September.
| UPDATE INFORMATION |
We love seeing the change you’re making – and so does the DWF community! Share your photos and tag us on social media @downiewenjack.
We are happy to announce that the DWF Youth Ambassador Program will be taking place again this summer! The program allows individuals to gain practical work experience and develop leadership skills by connecting 100 Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth ages 16 – 25 throughout Canada. While learning about Canada’s true history, youth will develop a deeper understanding of what reconciliation means to them, how to apply it in their communities, and how to be leaders of positive change. Learn more about the program and how to apply below.
| YOUTH AMBASSADOR REGISTRATION |
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
New Beginnings and New Ways to Take ReconciliACTION! 