On September 30, in recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund (DWF) is proud to partner once again with radio stations in Canada for A DAY TO LISTEN.
This year’s theme is Honouring Truth with Action.
Honouring truth means listening to the lived experiences of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples, acknowledging the lasting impacts of the residential school system and other colonial policies. After learning the truth, we encourage everyone in Canada to take meaningful steps toward reconciliation. This year, as DWF marks the 10th anniversary of Secret Path, we reflect on how Gord Downie honoured Chanie Wenjack’s story – his truth – and helped turn it into meaningful action by creating opportunities for learning, dialogue, and change. Through conversations with Indigenous leaders, Knowledge Keepers, educators, artists, and changemakers, this A DAY TO LISTEN, we’ll explore how truth can inspire meaningful action in communities throughout Canada.
With this theme in mind, we will hear from guests on the following topics on the Radio throughout the day:
- Kisha Supernant on Indigenous archeology and the state of the search for residential school graves
- Chief Dr. Robert Joseph on how truth, healing and shared humanity can inspire meaningful action toward reconciliation
- Aaju Peter on protecting Inuit culture, language and traditional practices while advancing Inuit rights and self-determination
- Connie Walker on the power of storytelling, preserving Survivor testimony, and the consequences of destroying residential school records
To learn more, visit: https://downiewenjack.ca/a-day-to-listen/
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) provided those directly or indirectly affected by the legacy of the Indian Residential Schools system with an opportunity to share their stories and experiences.
https://nctr.ca/about/history-of-the-trc/trc-website/
National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation
The NCTR is a place of learning and dialogue where the truths of the residential school experience will be honoured and kept safe for future generations.
The NCTR was created as part of the mandate of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC). The TRC was charged to listen to Survivors, their families, communities, and others affected by the residential school system and educate Canadians about their experiences. The resulting collection of statements, documents and other materials now form the sacred heart of the NCTR.
The NCTR Archives and Collections is the foundation for ongoing learning and research. Here, Survivors, their families, educators, researchers, and the public can examine the residential school system more deeply with the goal of fostering reconciliation and healing.
About the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund
The Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund aims to build cultural understanding and create a path toward reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.
Through the Legacy Schools program, they provide tools and resources to over 10,000 educators in Canada so they can confidently teach students about not only the true history of this country, but also the richness, strength, and diversity of Indigenous cultures.
