Peatr Thomas, a DWF Artist Ambassador visiting Mikisew High School, a DWF Legacy School in Pimicikamak Cree Nation/Cross Lake, MB on June 7, 2022. 

About DWF 

Inspired by Chanie’s story and Gord’s call to build a better Canada, the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund (DWF) 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. 

We achieve our goal by providing access to education on the true history of Canada and the lasting impact of residential schools. DWF encourages reconciliation through our programming, campaigns, and events, including reconciliACTIONs – meaningful actions that move reconciliation forward. 

Legacy Schools  

DWF is grateful to Loyalty Canada for its generous support of the Legacy Schools program in Cross Lake, MB. Funds raised and donations collected through the Loyalty Industry Canada will support the Legacy Schools program in this community, a free national initiative to engage, empower and connect students and educators to further reconciliation through awareness, education, and action. 

Schools and educators are provided with a free toolkit filled with educational tools and resources – everything they need to confidently teach students about reconciliation, the true history of Canada, residential schools, and the unique rights, perspectives, traditions and knowledge of Indigenous Peoples. 

Legacy Schools can be found in rural, remote, northern, and urban communities in every province and territory. At the end of the 2021/2022 school year, 6,111 educators and 5,075 schools were registered in the program. It continues to grow, with new schools and educators registering each day. 

Thank you for your generous support!   

If you have any questions or need help completing your donation, please contact Jenna Courage, Development Associate, at jenna@downiewenjack.ca.