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The Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund is part of Gord Downie’s legacy and embodies his and his family’s commitment to improving lives of First Peoples in Canada. In collaboration with the Wenjack Family, the fund’s goal is to continue the conversation that began with Chanie Wenjack’s residential school story, and to aid our collective reconciliation journey through a combination of awareness, education, and action.

Five communities are holding walks in 2025, including new events in the Municipality of Kincardine and Municipality of Brockton. These events bring neighbours together to learn, reflect, and walk in solidarity on the path toward reconciliation. Join a Walk for Wenjack event near you to honour the story of Chanie Wenjack, reflect on the legacy of residential schools, and walk together in community.

Schedule:

📅August 14 – Cape Croker Park, Neyaashiinigmiing 1:00 PM refreshments provided. Gather at the Arbour.

📅October 17 – Wiarton, Bluewater Park 1:00 PM refreshments provided.

📅October 18 – Kincardine, Station Beach 1:00 PM refreshments provided.

📅October 20 – Southampton, Fairy Lake Pavilion 1:00 PM refreshments provided.

📅October 21 – Walkerton, Riverbend Park 1:00 PM refreshments provided.

Secret Path Screenings

The Secret Path is an animated film adaptation of Gord Downie’s album and Jeff Lemire’s graphic novel. Working with Downie’s poetry and music, Lemire has created a powerful visual representation of the life of Chanie Wenjack. The film is divided into ten chapters, each a song from Downie’s musical retelling of Chanie’s story – from his escape from the Cecilia Jeffrey Indian Residential School, to his subsequent and heartbreaking death from hunger and exposure to the harsh weather. The final product is a uniquely immersive emotional experience – an insight into the life of a little boy who, as Gord has said, he never knew, “but will always love.” Runtime: 60 minutes

October 17 – Bruce County Public Library Wiarton Branch – 3:30 PM

October 20 – Bruce County Museum & Cultural Centre. Screenings at 11:30 A.M., 7:00 P.M. | Free to attend; Pre-Register to save your seats.

October 21 – Bruce County Public Library Walkerton Branch – 3:00 PM

All events are free admission. We happily accept donations to the Nawash Food Bank. The first 10 donations at each event will receive a prize from the Downie Wenjack Fund.

For more information please visit: https://www.brucemuseum.ca/event/walk-for-wenjack/

Walk for Wenjack events in Bruce County are hosted in partnership with Cape Croker Park, Ktaamgwedaagwad Gindasswin Adult Learning Centre, Nawash Chief & Council, Bruce County Museum & Cultural Centre, Bruce County Public Library, Municipality of Kincardine, Municipality of Brockton, and Bruce Power.