Canadore College Strengthens Commitment to Truth and Reconciliation

Canadore College has officially opened a Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund (DWF) Legacy Space at its College Drive Campus. Prominently located at the main entrance, the Legacy Space is designed to foster truth and reconciliation by creating a welcoming environment for storytelling, listening, and learning.

“Legacy Spaces are more than just physical rooms; they are platforms for meaningful dialogue about the true history of Canada and our collective journey toward reconciliation,” said Mair Greenfield, Director, Education, Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund. “By establishing a Legacy Space on campus, Canadore College is providing students, employees, and community members with a safe and welcoming environment where stories can be shared, learning is encouraged, and important conversations are supported.”

“What is unique about Canadore’s Legacy Space is that they have thoughtfully woven the Legacy Schools Program into their space and course offerings. We are grateful for Canadore’s commitment to this work, and we look forward to what we can accomplish together,” Greenfield said.

The Legacy Spaces Program is an initiative of DWF, a national charity committed to improving the lives of Indigenous Peoples and advancing reconciliation in Canada through awareness, education, and action. Established in memory of Gord Downie, the late lead singer of The Tragically Hip, and Chanie Wenjack, a young Anishinaabe boy whose story continues to shed light on the lasting impacts of residential schools, DWF inspires people in Canada to take action and move reconciliation forward.

“Reconciliation is a shared journey, and the Legacy Space at Canadore stands as a reminder that learning and responsibility belong to everyone,” said Sarah Julian, Director, First Peoples’ Centre and Indigenous Engagement. “This work has been embraced across all areas of the College, with our team working together to create an environment where Indigenous voices are respected and heard.”

“We are deeply honoured to see this space come to life in partnership with DWF, and to have the support of the Wenjack family as we carry forward Chanie’s story, and the stories of all the children who never made it home, through learning, compassion, and collective action,” Julian said.

“Canadore College is an international leader in advancing Indigenous education and reciprocity with the Indigenous Peoples that we serve,” said Shawn Chorney, Vice President, Strategic Infrastructure, Indigenous and Learner Services. “Our relationships are rooted in education, and our team now has access to incredible learning resources through this collaboration, year-round, when and where our college community needs them.”

“Through this partnership, Canadore College reaffirms its dedication to creating inclusive spaces for dialogue, learning, and reflection, and to building stronger relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples,” said George Burton, President and CEO. “This collaboration reflects our ongoing commitment to ensuring that reconciliation remains a central focus within the college community.”

In 2016, Gord Downie released Secret Path, a multimedia project that shared the story of Chanie Wenjack. At just 12 years old, Chanie died of hunger and exposure on October 22, 1966, after fleeing the Cecilia Jeffrey Indian Residential School in Kenora, Ontario, in an attempt to return home to Ogoki Post on Marten Falls First Nation. His story remains a powerful reminder of the importance of truth, education, and reconciliation.

“With each opening of a Legacy Space, we honour Chanie and all the children who never made it home from residential school. We carry their stories with us, and each new space gives us hope that people throughout Canada are listening, learning, and walking a path toward reconciliation. As a family, we are moved to see Chanie’s story continue to inspire people throughout the country to do something, ensuring the next generations grow up with truth, respect, and understanding,” said the Wenjack Family.