Inspired by Chanie’s story and Gord’s call to build a better Canada, DWF aims to build cultural understanding and create a path toward reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Peoples.

DWF aims to continue the conversation that began with Chanie Wenjack’s residential school story and to support reconciliation through a combination of awareness, education and action. We do this through our Legacy School and Legacy Space programs and Secret Path Week.

DWF is an Indigenous-led organization with a core team of individuals who are committed to moving our mission forward. We are governed by a Board of Directors made up of outstanding professional Indigenous and non-Indigenous leaders. We’re honoured to have a diverse and talented group who collectively guide us to ensure the journey continues towards supporting a stronger Canada.

More information on our board members can be found here.

Yes, DWF received it’s charitable status in March 2018. Our registered charity number is 784055915RR0001.

There are a number of ways to help;

• Donate to DWF
• Host a third-party fundraiser. Complete the form located here with your idea!
• Participate in a reconciliACTION
• Volunteer with DWF
• If you’re an educator – register as a Legacy School
• For companies and organizations – join the Legacy Spaces program
• Attend an event

Your generous donation supports the continued development and deployment of our programs, campaigns, and events. With your support, we’re able to expand our reach throughout Canada, building awareness, education, and connections between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.

Secret Path Week takes place annually from October 17-22. Secret Path week raises awareness of the history and legacy of residential schools and through the campaign, funds are raised to further develop our Legacy Space and Legacy Schools programs. The dates are special because it occurs between the anniversaries of Gord and Chanie’s passing (October 17 and 22 respectively). During this time we encourage our partners and all Canadians to participate in their own reconciliACTIONS.

A reconciliACTION is a meaningful action that moves reconciliation forward. ReconciliACTIONs aim to bring Indigenous and non-Indigenous people together in the spirit of reconciliation to share, learn, and create awareness. It is the answer to Gord’s call to ‘Do Something’; do something to raise further awareness, do something that improves the lives of Indigenous people, do something to improve the relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. ReconciliACTIONs act as catalysts for important conversations and meaningful change – recognizing change starts with each of us and every person can make an impact.

A few ideas for a reconciliACTION are:

• Researching the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities in your region and learning the land acknowledgement; make sure this is built into your business’s or organization’s communications
• Host a dinner, lunch and learn, or morning coffee with some traditional Indigenous dishes. Share information and encourage conversations about Indigenous history, culture and reconciliation
• Visit a local Indigenous organization; friendship centre, community group, museum, or attend a cultural event in your community

DWF primarily focuses on developing our internal programming, however, in partnership with Hudson’s Bay Foundation, DWF launched Oshki Wupoowane | The Blanket Fund (The Blanket Fund) in September 2022. The Blanket Fund will provide support for Indigenous cultural, artistic, and educational activities. Learn more and apply here.

Yes!

Appearance requests for a DWF representative or requests for the Wenjack and/or Downie families can be sent to staff@downiewenjack.ca.

Please include the following details:

• Date and time
• Location
• Audience (estimated size and audience type)
• Name of the event
• Brief event summary

Appearances are subject to availability. Please note that travel and accommodation costs are the responsibility of the host.

DWF is open to all ideas that support reconciliation! Submit your idea here and someone from DWF will be in touch with you shortly.

Third-party fundraising requests are subject to review and approval by DWF. Please submit your idea here and a member of the DWF team will be in touch shortly.