Downie Wenjack Legacy Schools
”The DWF Legacy Schools program is an opportunity for classrooms/schools to lead the movement in awareness of the history and impact of the Residential School System on Indigenous Peoples. Educators will use a Legacy Schools Toolkit and educational support resources to engage students, staff and the school community, and as the catalyst for their commitment to the work of reconciliation.” Read and Learn more.
Background info on the Downie-Wenjack Fund
Downie Wenjack Fund from Downie Wenjack Fund on Vimeo.
The Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund (DWF) is part of Gord Downie’s legacy and embodies his commitment, and that of both the Downie and Wenjack families, to call Canadians to learning and action in solidarity with Indigenous peoples of this land. The goal of the fund is to continue the conversation that began with Chanie Wenjack’s residential school story, and to support the reconciliation process through awareness, education, and action. More information here.
Legacy Schools Program
Toolkit:
When you are registered as a Legacy School – you will receive a purple box with materials, one of which is a USB (Toolkit) with many resources divided into age categories for your classroom use to “introduce the topic of residential schools and Canada’s history as it relates to Indigenous Peoples. the Secret Path along with the resources in the Toolkit (USB) to further educate students to build empathy and create deeper understanding.” (Legacy Schools and ReconiliACTIONS Guide 2018-2019, p. 3,4)
Spotlight: On Comox Valley Schools:
The Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund is proud to say that all the schools in the Comox Valley School District are now members of our Legacy Schools program. All 23 school sites within the district will receive toolkits in preparation for the 2019-2020 school year.
Check out this website for information about this week – Secret Path Week – October 17-22.
You can also sign up now for HotDocs videos available during this week.
Learning Resources
The Downie-Wenjack website is full of background information and learning resources to use in your classroom.
Some Highlights!
Chanie’s Life Journey (Map) ArcGIS Online for Manitoba Schools
This Story Map chronicles the life of Chanie Wenjack and engages us in the ongoing conversation about truth and reconciliation.
Secret Path
SD71 indigenous Educations has compiled helpful resources and videos for teachers around this graphic novel by Gord Downie and Jeff Lemire to highlight the story of Chanie Wenjack, a boy who attempted an escape from Residential School. Lessons for all grades. Please use with discretion in the early years. We suggest this book to be studied in depth at later grades and with support from teachers.
Some School Legacy Projects Across SD 71
Miracle Beach after Downie-Wenjack week created a legacy project with the Project of Heart tiles made students last year (2017/2018) after learning about residential schools with the U’mista Display (Project of Heart canoe and Speaking to Memory Exhibits). The goal is to add tiles whenever a class learns about residential school. (information from Jason Cobey, principal of Miracle Beach Elementary School)
