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 Industry Canada for its generous support of the Legacy Schools and Youth Ambassador programs through its annual golf tournament. Funds raised and donations collected ensure:

• The Legacy Schools program can be offered for free to educators, schools, and students throughout Canada. Legacy Schools is a free national initiative that engages, empowers, and connects 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 beginning of the 2025/2026 school year, 10,000+ educators and 7,200+ schools were registered in the program. It continues to grow, with new schools and educators registering each day.
• Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth can gain in-demand and leadership skills through the Youth Ambassador program. Youth Ambassadors are empowered to be leaders of reconciliation in their schools and communities through the 4-week paid internship and leadership program.
  • Since 2021, 598 youth have participated in the program, engaging in seminar-like sessions, gaining practical work experience, networking, strengthening their in-demand skills, and gaining leadership experience, while learning about DWF and the history of residential schools.

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.