Chanie Wenjack was 9 years old when he was forced to attend Cecilia Jeffrey Residential School. At the age of 12, Chanie ran away, with the goal of reuniting with his family 600 km away. Learn more about Chanie and the history of residential schools at
DWF is hiring! We're currently looking for a Legacy Schools Program Assistant and Digital Marketing Assistant to join our team. Candidates must be located in the GTA & registered with
@MiziweBiik
. For more information on the roles and how to apply, visit .
Today, over 500 radio stations across Canada are participating in A Day to Listen.
Some of the stories you hear could be distressing.
If you are Indigenous and need support, reach out to the Hope for Wellness help line 1-855-242-3310.
More resources:
"To become a country, and truly call ourselves Canada, it means we must become one. We must walk down a path of reconciliation from now on. Together, and forever. This is the first day of forever: the greatest day of my life, the greatest day of all of our lives." - Gord Downie
These are just a few examples of how you can spend your time on September 30. For more ideas to work into your planning for Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, check out our recommended
#reconciliACTIONs
at
Today, Chanie Wenjack would have turned 69. His legacy has helped people learn the true history & immeasurable impact of residential schools. We continue to honour his memory and those of the thousands of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis children who attended residential schools.
"To become a country, and truly call ourselves Canada, it means we must become one. We must walk down a path of reconciliation from now on. Together, forever."
- Gord Downie (February 6, 1964-October 17, 2017)
On September 30, we wear orange to remember Phyllis’ story and the 150,000 Indigenous children like her who were taken from their families, communities, and cultures.
You can hear more about Phyllis' story in A DAY TO LISTEN 2021 at
#DoSomething
Today we honour Chanie Wenjack on what would have been his 67 birthday. Through Chanie and his family, his legacy has connected people to our true history.
We encourage you to take some time today to commit a
#reconciliACTION
in Chanie's memory. Happy birthday Chanie.
Join us today in celebrating Chanie Wenjack’s birthday. Chanie would have been 66 years old. His story has made an incredible impact & has connected people to our true history. We encourage you take some time today to learn more about Chanie & his legacy.
Today, Chanie would have turned 68 years old. Thank you to all of you who have joined us in honouring Chanie by learning about the history and ongoing impact of residential schools, and taking
#reconciliACTION
.
Today we honour Gord Downie's legacy and celebrate his life. Gord dedicated himself to sharing the true history of residential schools, and bringing to light the reality of Canada's relationship with Indigenous Peoples. Happy birthday Wicapi Omani "Man who walks among the stars"
Today marks the National Day of Awareness for Missing Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people. This day honours and brings awareness to the thousands of people who experience disproportionate rates of violence in Canada. Read more:
On this day, we remember the words that Gord Downie spoke in 2017. While
#CanadaDay
is a celebration for many, it is also a day that brings with it feelings of oppression. We encourage all to take time to reflect on what we can all do to further reconciliation, &
#DoSomething
.
We are honoured to be named in the 2018/2019 Federal budget! An investment of $5 million will be used to promote cross-cultural dialogue and create places/spaces dedicated to
#reconciliation
and building relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.
#DoSomething
Today we honour Chanie Wenjack on what would be his 64 birthday. In a special moment yesterday, his sister Daisy spotted Chanie in a photo (young boy on right) during the Wa-Say Residential School to Reconciliation gathering.
Happy birthday, Chanie.
In 2016 Gord Downie asked all of us to look at the state of Indigenous and non-Indigenous relations and Do Something. On Oct 17, 2017 he passed on to the spirit world. Now every year we honour Gord’s legacy by marking this the first day of
#SecretPathWeek
.
Today, on what would have been Gord Downie's 59th birthday, we are taking time to honour his legacy and celebrate his life. Gord dedicated himself to sharing the true history of residential schools, and shone a light the reality of Canada's relationship with Indigenous Peoples.
Today is World Teachers' Day!
We appreciate all that Educators do to create a safe space for learners and to ensure this generation of students not only learns Canada’s true history but also the rich and diverse Indigenous cultures throughout Turtle Island.
#WorldTeachersDay
On October 17, the day Gord Downie joined the spirit world, we remember and honour the incredible legacy of a true poet and charismatic artist. Gord used his voice to encourage us all to
#DoSomething
for meaningful reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.
Tomorrow is
#OrangeShirtDay
! It's an opportunity to remember the thousands of Indigenous children who were forcibly taken from their homes to attend Residential Schools. It's through this reflection that we can prevent history from repeating itself.
Today is the inaugural National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. To learn more about what this day means for people in Canada, and for some ideas on what you can do today and every day, visit
On this day in 1966, Chanie Wenjack died trying to make his way back home to Ogoki Post - 600km away from the Residential School in Kenora that he ran away from.
His tragic story sparked a movement - one that continues to grow. Thank you for keeping his story alive.
TOMORROW, Wednesday, June 30th is a Day to Listen. From 6am-6pm, radio stations all over Canada will amplify the voices of Indigenous people. Find your station at
Today is
#NationalIndigenousVeterans
Day, a day that is set aside in remembrance of all the First Nations, Inuit and Métis people who gave their lives in service to Canada. Learn more about the bravery, dedication and sacrifice of Indigenous veterans at
On the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation we will be hosting a discussion to explore this day of reflection, the significance of Sept 30, what this means for reconciliation in Canada, and how we can participate meaningfully. Tune in on DWF's Youtube and Facebook!
Today, on what would have been Gord's 55th birthday, join us in celebrating his legacy, his messages of hope, his powerful calls to action and his dedication to creating lasting, positive change in Canada.
Happy Birthday Wicapi Omani “Man who walks among the stars”.
Gord's legacy is his call to action for reconciliation in Canada, Secret Path Week, October 17-22 is when the nation comes together to "Do something". What will your ReconciliACTION be?
Share online
#SecretPathWeek
#DWF
#ReconciliACTION
#DoSomething
More:
“Gord said several times that the only thing that mattered to him was getting Canadians to become aware of Indigenous lives, start to right the wrongs and move in the direction of reconciliation”
#DoSomething
Secret Path Week begins this Wednesday, October 17th! Please join us in celebrating the legacies of Gord Downie and Chanie Wenjack from October 17-22 during our 1st Annual Secret Path Week.
Find out about events happening in your area this week visit:
Today we celebrate the life and legacy of Chanie Wenjack on what would have been his 65th birthday. To learn more about Chanie's Story visit resources like our website and Chanie's Life Journey, an online interactive map
Today marks the beginning of
#SecretPathWeek
, a national movement commemorating the legacies of Gord Downie and Chanie Wenjack. Take
#reconciliACTION
and join us for virtual events hosted by Downie Wenjack. Full schedule is here:
On May 28, we learned about the heartbreaking discovery of 215 children buried at a former residential school on Tk'emlúps te Secwépemc territory in Kamloops, BC.
Read our full statement.
#Reconciliation
#DoSomething
#EveryChildMatters
“If we’ve learned anything from Gord, it was the value of taking care of each other. He wanted a country that was equitable and inclusive ...we have an incredible opportunity for Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians to come together.”
And that’s a wrap on
#SecretPathLive
! A standing ovation for the final performance of the night featuring all of tonight’s artists. Thank you to all our supporters and for moving
#reconciliation
forward!
#DoSomething
Marsi/miigwetch to one of our incredible hosts for A DAY TO LISTEN 2022,
@WilliamPrince
! On the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, DWF is proud to partner with major media outlets and radio stations throughout Canada. Tune in Sept 30 6AM – 6PM
I’m at a ceremony this morning where the names of children who attended & died at Canadian residential schools is being unveiled on a 50-metre long ceremonial cloth.
#OrangeShirtDay2019
We can all
#DoSomething
to work towards a better Canada. Keep learning about our shared history.
Here are some recommended resources to help you get started:
Today we celebrate and honour First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples achievements, contributions and vibrant culture. We encourage all Canadians to take today as an opportunity to join the celebrations and continue moving forward in our path to reconciliation.
#DoSomething
#NIPD
Our condolences to the Boushie family for the pain and grief that must be relived with this devastating verdict. There is much work to be done on the path towards reconciliation in our systems and attitudes across Canada.
#JusticeForColten
We’d like to congratulate the Kindergarteners of James Short Memorial School in Calgary, AB. With their teachers, they have walked over 600km to honour Chanie’s journey. Chanie escaped residential school to return home to his family who were over 600km away, and did not make it.
In 2016, Jesse Thistle had the honour of meeting Gord Downie + was able to share the wonderful work he was doing around Intergenerational Trauma. Today, we are excited to announce Jesse Thistle as our first Literary Artist Ambassador for
#LegacySchools
.
Treaties Recognition Week begins on November 1. Do you know the difference between a Treaty, Comprehensive Land Claim, and Final Agreement? Read through the definitions to learn more!
#TreatiesRecognitionWeek
On October 17th, 2018 the 1st year anniversary of Gord Downie's death, and all this week, we honour the legacies of Gord and Chanie with the 1st Annual Secret Path Week - October 17-22, 2018
Orange Shirt Day - September 30th falls on a Sunday this year. Many schools and organizations will mark the occasion by wearing orange shirts tomorrow Friday, September 28th. Find out why by visiting
#orangeshirtday
#everychildmatters
@SAHOrangeshirt
On the eve of what would have been his 55th birthday, Feb 6, join people all across Canada in celebrating the life of Gord Downie and his lasting legacy The Gord Downie and Chanie Wenjack Fund
#DoSomething
#DownieWenjackFund
Today is
#InternationalInuitDay
- Did you know that approximately 150,000 Inuit live across Canada, Greenland, Alaska and Russia?November 7th is a day to recognize and celebrate the voices and contributions of international Inuit communities. Learn more at
When Chanie Wenjack set out on his journey, he was more than 600km away from home. Each year, we
#WalkforWenjack
to honour him and more than 150,000 Indigenous children who attended residential school. Learn more at
Tune in NOW for A DAY TO LISTEN, airing on major media outlets and radio stations 6am - 6pm local time throughout Canada. This years theme is Mino Bimaadiziwin, which means ‘the good life’ in Anishinabemowin.
Learn more and listen at
On Tuesday, Oct 3, Wab Kinew became Canada’s first First Nations provincial premier.
In this historic election, the acclaimed author and broadcaster led the NDP to a majority victory in the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba, where he had previously sat as the opposition leader.
In case you missed them on the radio this morning, you can now listen to this morning's interviews online. The remaining interviews will be shared tonight.
Thank you for listening.
October 4th is the National Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and gender diverse people.
Last school year, Eastglenn High School raised awareness and honoured
#MMIWG2S
+ through a collaboration with Red Dress Project (pictured).
"If this is the last thing I do, I'm very happy. This is what I want to do." Gord Downie's Secret Path in Concert: a remarkable and emotional tribute to Chanie Wenjack. Tonight at 9 p.m. on
@CBC
. Also available to watch now:
Breaking news: Inuk leader, Mary Simon, will become Canada’s next Governor General. She will be the first Indigenous person to take on this role after a lifetime of work advocating for Inuit rights and culture. Watch her historic first speech at
Orange Shirt Day is an opportunity for Indigenous and non-Indigenous people to come together in the spirit of
#reconciliation
and hope for generations of children to come. We at DWF seek to aid our collective reconciliation journey through awareness, education, and action.
Lest we forget. Today we remember the Indigenous and non-Indigenous people who served in the armed forces and their sacrifices for our country. Over 7,000 First Nations people served in the First and Second World Wars and an unknown number of Métis, Inuit and other Indigenous
#ReconciliACTION
is the answer to Gord’s call to ‘Do Something’. Do something to raise awareness, do something that improves the lives of Indigenous people, do something that improves the relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.