National MMIWG2S+ Awareness Day is May 5, and we have compiled the resources you need to teach your students what this important day means and how they can Do Something. Continue learning by participating in our DWF live sessions, entering our virtual Artist Ambassador visit contest, and attending a reconciliation workshop hosted by DWF staff and Tom Wilson. Check out all of this and more below!
Content Warning:
Some of the content below discusses missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirit people. If you need support, we have compiled some mental health resources.
Otherwise known as Red Dress Day, May 5 marks a day to raise awareness and take action for missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit people.
We encourage educators to read and use Legacy Schools resources including Reclaiming Power and Place: The National Inquiry’s Final Report, which reveals that persistent and deliberate human and Indigenous rights violations and abuses are the root cause behind Canada’s staggering rates of violence against Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA people. The two-volume report calls for transformative legal and social changes to resolve the crisis that has devastated Indigenous communities across the country.
| MMIWG2S+ Resources for Learning |
Montague Régional Highschool student project and feather artwork to raise awareness for MMIWG2S+.
Montague Régional Highschool, PE students did a project on Cheryl Johnson, a Mi’kmaw woman who went missing and was later found murdered. They also researched Jaime Black, creator of the Red Dress Project, and made a display using feathers to share knowledge about important issues like MMIWG2S+.
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DWF LIVE: Fawn WoodFor the National Day of Awareness for MMIWG2S+Fawn is a recording and performing artist born into the respected multi-generational traditional singing Wood family. Her singing reflects her Cree and Salish tribal lineage and uses her unique perspective to bring Indigenous women’s voices to light through her music. In this session, Fawn will share her thoughts on the importance of learning about MMIWG2S+. May 5, 2023, at 2pm ET – National Day of Awareness for MMIWG2S+
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DWF LIVE: Angela Miracle GladueAngela Miracle Gladue, aka Lunacee, is a Nehiyaw (Cree)/Greek interdisciplinary artist from the Treaty 6 Territory of amiskwaciy-wâskahikan (Edmonton, Alberta) and is a proud member of Frog Lake First Nation. At the age of 6, she began cultural dancing through a Métis and Powwow dance program at her school, Prince Charles Elementary, and performed regularly throughout western Canada with the Red River Wheelers and her school’s powwow performance group. This DWF Live will get you up and moving as you learn traditional dancing with your students! April 26 @ 1PM ET
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Isaac Murdoch – Water is Life | Peatr Thomas – Love Life (2019) – Cross Lake, MB – Spray Paint on Acrylic Painted Drywall | Patrick Hunter Virtual Artist Ambassador Visit 2022
Don’t miss out on this incredible chance to win a virtual Artist Ambassador visit and connect with Indigenous artists through beading workshops, storytelling, painting, and more! We’ve extended the application deadline to Friday, April 21, so be sure to fill out your application today. Mark your calendars for the end of May and early June!
| APPLY TODAY |
Hundreds of new teachers signed up to join the Legacy Schools program thanks to your help! Thank you to everyone who shared this important program with their friends and colleagues.
Bangin’ Bannock – One bag of Original Bangin’ Bannock dry mix.
Patrick Hunter – One $100 gift card to Patrick Hunter Art & Design
Emily Kewageshig – One $100 gift card to Emily Kewageshig’s Giizhig Studio
Nish Tees– One $100 gift card to Nish Tees
Goodminds – One $100 gift card to Goodminds
DWF – a DWF sweater valued at $60 each
Bonus: Sherri S for referring the most colleagues!
In collaboration with the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund, The Burlington Performing Arts Centre is offering an informative “Reconciliation in the Classroom” presentation facilitated by Lisa Prinn & Sabrina Angeconeb, and a live music performance and speaking engagement with Tom Wilson. Educators will learn more about the Legacy Schools program and how to incorporate the unique interests, rights, and perspectives of Indigenous peoples into everyday learning.
When: Monday April 24, 2023, at 10:00 am at the Burlington Performing Arts Centre, Burlington, ON
Cost: $25
To register for this event, contact the Education & Outreach Coordinator: Isabelle Trask | Isabelle.trask@burlington.ca | 905-681-2551 x 6302
| MORE INFORMATION |
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
May updates from DWF 