2023 is here, and we have lots of great things planned for Legacy Schools! We’re busy updating our resources for your booster kits coming in the fall (please be sure to update your shipping and school information with us), going to several conferences in the coming months, and, of course, planning lots of great online programming through DWF LIVE!
Today, Chanie Wenjack would have turned 69. Chanie’s determination to get to his family after being forced to attend residential school resulted in the first inquest into the treatment of Indigenous children in residential schools. Today, his story continues to inspire us to take reconciliACTION.
Brooklyn Elementary School, BC – Students were introduced to the Secret Path book, songs, and the video as they learned about Chanie’s story and the connection to Gord Downie. Brooklyn Elementary also completed a story walk through the forest behind their school. A part of Chanie’s story was attached to a tree and with the help of an Indigenous support worker, time was taken to reflect on and discuss his legacy. At the end of the discussion, students stood together in a circle, acknowledged the territory they occupy, and shared what they could do to support reconciliation.
St. Augustine Fine Arts School, AB – St. Augustine held a school-wide Walk for Wenjack where students and staff walked a collective 829km to honour Chanie’s 600km journey, as well as an additional 215km to recognize the many children that did not make it home. Students visited elementary classrooms to read Indigenous stories, junior high classrooms to speak about Chanie and residential schools and discussed what it meant to be a Legacy School during the morning announcements. Students also contributed food to be given to an Indigenous services group as part of their school reconciliACTION.
Alcuin College, BC – Charlie, a grade six student at Alcuin College, wrote this lovely letter to Chanie’s sisters after learning about Chanie’s residential school experience.
Items in this year’s Legacy Schools Toolkit.
Your input helps us shape the Legacy Schools program. We’re looking at ways to improve the free booster and toolkit packages we send to Legacy Schools leaders like you. Please take a little time to help us better understand your needs. We will be offering a prize pack of DWF merch to 5 lucky survey completions. Just opt-in to win!
|
 |
DWF LIVE: Violet Gatensby – Tlingit Artist, Carver from Carcross/Tagish First Nation, YukonTalented inland Tlingit artist, Violet Gatensby, works in many mediums including wood, metal, design, and paint. She shares her experience as an artist and her involvement with the Northern Cultural Expression Society. Wednesday, January 25 at 1 PM ET
|
 |
DWF LIVE: Paul Pike – Mi’kmaw Musician/Composer from Corner Brook, NewfoundlandMulti-talented musician/composer, Paul Pike, reflects on the history of his Mi’kmaw culture and the land and how it impacted his songwriting career. From rock and roll to traditional flute, he can play it all. Paul also works in community and cultural programming at the People of the Dawn Indigenous Friendship Centre in Stephenville, Newfoundland. Wednesday, February 22 at 1 PM ET
|
Educator Advisory Committee Members will lead the discussion around what they have been doing in their schools and clubs. Attendees will have the opportunity to share ideas and ask questions with other Legacy Schools throughout the country. This session will be a mix of club and school leaders working with a variety of age groups.
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
|
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
Celebrating Afro-Indigenous People, Culture, and Achievements 