Our Story

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.

DWF is part of Gord Downie’s legacy and embodies his commitment, and that of his family, to improving the lives of Indigenous Peoples in Canada. In collaboration with the Wenjack family, DWF’s programs, campaigns, events, and initiatives continue the conversation that began with Chanie Wenjack’s residential school story and support our collective journey toward reconciliation.

Learn more about our work and programs, campaigns, and events.

Chanie Wenjack

Chanie Wenjack, misnamed Charlie Wenjack by his teachers, was an Anishinaabe boy born in Ogoki Post on the Marten Falls Reserve on January 19, 1954. Chanie’s story, tragically, is like so many stories of Indigenous children in this country; he fell victim to Canada’s colonization of Indigenous Peoples.

In 1963, at the age of nine, Chanie was sent to the Cecilia Jeffrey Indian Residential school in Kenora, Ontario. In 1966, at 12 years old, Chanie ran away from the residential school, attempting to reunite with his family, who were 600 kilometres away in Ogoki Post. Nine others ran away that same day; all but Chanie were caught within 24 hours.

Chanie’s body was found beside the railway tracks on October 22, 1966, a week after he fled. He succumbed to starvation and exposure. In his pocket was nothing but a little glass jar with seven wooden matches. His death sparked the first inquest into the treatment of Indigenous children in the residential school system, and years later, inspired Gord Downie’s album, Secret Path.

Wenjack Family

Chanie is survived by his sisters, Pearl, Daisy, Evelyn, and Annie, and many other family members who carry his legacy and story. Over the years, the Wenjack family has grown to over 200 people living throughout Canada, including Ogoki Post, Pickle Lake, and as far north as Pond Inlet, NU.

Chanie’s sisters have been advocates for sharing Chanie’s story. Their goal is to share it with all who will listen to prevent such atrocities from taking place again.

Harriet, Chanie’s niece, is a member of DWF’s Board of Directors as a voice for the Wenjack family. She ensures that the Wenjack family is represented in decisions made at DWF.

Gord Downie

Gord Downie was the lead singer, songwriter, and driving creative force behind The Tragically Hip, who brought their energetic live performances to audiences around the world for over three decades. The group released their first album, The Tragically Hip, in 1987 and went on to release thirteen studio albums, including their final album, Man Machine Poem (2016). Gord also pursued a successful solo career, releasing six albums, including Secret Path, before his passing in 2017.

Gord directed music videos, narrated the Waterlife and National Parks Project documentaries, and appeared in several films, including director Michael McGowan’s One Week and director Mike Clattenburg’s Trailer Park Boys: The Movie. In 2014, Gord and his brothers, Mike and Patrick, along with Patrick Sambrook, started the production company Edgarland Films.

In August of 2016, Gord asked everyone in Canada to look at the state of Indigenous-non-Indigenous relations and to “Do Something” to change them for the better. In December of 2016, Gord was given the Lakota Spirit Name, Wicapi Omani, which can be translated as “The Man Who Walks Among the Stars” for his advocacy and support for Indigenous Peoples.

On October 17, 2017, Gord passed away with his children and family by his side. His legacy, messages of hope, and powerful calls to action live on. Gord dedicated his life and legacy to creating lasting, positive change in Canada, and we are committed to honouring his vision.

Gord’s brother, Mike Downie, is a member of DWF’s Board of Directors as a voice for the Downie family. He ensures that the Downie family is represented in decisions made at DWF.

Gord and Chanie’s Legacies

In the final years of his life, Gord worked closely with the Wenjack family to create Secret Path, a powerful multimedia project that shares Chanie’s story through music, a graphic novel, and film. What began as a collaboration between two families has grown into a national movement for awareness, education, and reconciliation.

Today, more than 9,500 Legacy Schools throughout Canada engage with Secret Path as part of their learning, ensuring that Chanie’s story and Gord’s call to “Do Something” continue to inspire action from coast to coast to coast.

View the Secret Path Website

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The Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund

Registered Charity Number: 784055915RR0001

AI Policy at DWF

The Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund uses secure, purpose-built AI technologies to improve how we deliver resources and support our network. These tools help keep information up to date using publicly available data, reducing delays, minimizing waste, and ensuring materials reach their intended destination. Privacy is important; no personal information is shared outside of DWF, and you can opt out at any time.

About DWF

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.

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Get In Touch

E-mail: staff@downiewenjack.ca
Toll-free: 1-833-666-2414
Local: 519-964-0393

Address:
PO BOX 749
OHSWEKEN, ON
N0A1M0