2. THE SECRET PATH
Gord Downie and Jeff Lemire’s graphic novel The Secret Path tells the story of Chanie Wenjack, a 12-year old boy who died while fleeing a residential school. Residential schools were government-operated institutions aimed at separating Indigenous children from their families and traditions in order to assimilate them into Canadian culture. The children were subject to significant emotional and physical abuse. The Downie Wenjack Fund’s goal is to continue the conversation that Chanie’s story begins with the Legacy of residential schools, and help the healing process through a combination of awareness and education.

3. A CHANCE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE
The Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Legacy Room Project is an opportunity for all Canadians to answer Gord Downie’s call to action for Reconciliation with our Indigenous communities:
“Do something.”
Are We Listening?

4. HOW DOES IT WORK?
The Legacy Room is any space - be it in a business, school, office, restaurant, hotel… where people who use the room will have the opportunity to learn the story of Chanie Wenjack, the history he represents, and be inspired to act in the name of Reconciliation.

5. OPEN A DOORWAY TO RECONCILIACTION

6. MAKE A COMMITMENT TO THE LEGACY
After registering, the applicant organization will receive:
Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Legacy Room plaque to be displayed at the entrance to the Room
A framed Legacy Room print featuring photographs of Gord Downie and Chanie Wenjack, The Secret Path Story, Gord’s Call to Action and information about where a Legacy Room visitor can learn more about creating their own act towards ReconciliACTION
Access to ongoing information from the Downie Wenjack Foundation

7. LEGACY ROOM COMMEMORATIVE PLAQUE
The Downie Wenjack Legacy Room plaque is the signature item that connects all Legacy Rooms together.
The plaque is designed to be displayed at the entrance of the Legacy Room to identify the space as an act and commitment towards ReconciliACTION.

8. HOW TO APPLY TO BE A LEGACY ROOM PARTNER
to express interest in being part of the Legacy Room project
To qualify, we ask that partners:
Be committed to doing the work of Reconciliation as an organization
Provide information about the story of the Legacy Room, Chanie Wenjack and Reconciliation to staff and visitors
Be committed as an organization to an equitable workplace
Commit to a $5000 annual donation to the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund

9. DONATION
$5,000/yr
5 years
Donations can be made as a one-time five year commitment, annually paid, and/or fundraised through local initiatives

10. DO SOMETHING
To get started with your Legacy Room, the Downie Wenjack Fund staff at: Visit

11. Thank you!