The Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund

The Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund is part of Gord Downie’s legacy and embodies his commitment, and that of his family, to improving the lives of First Peoples.

In collaboration with the Wenjack family, the goal of the fund is to continue the conversation that began with Chanie Wenjack’s residential school story and to aid our collective reconciliation journey through awareness, education, and action.

Our Team

The Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack (DWF) team is Indigenous-led and is located on the Haudenosaunee Territory, The Six Nations of the Grand River alongside their neighbours The Mississaugas of the New Credit.

DWF is governed by a Board of Directors made up of outstanding professional Indigenous and non-Indigenous leaders. In March of 2018, DWF received its official status as a charitable foundation (prior to this we operated as a project of Tides Canada). DWF is thrilled to be supported by a diverse and talented group who collectively guide the way for DWF to ensure the journey continues towards supporting a stronger Canada.

Board of Directors

Mike Downie, Downie Family member

Harriet Visitor, Wenjack Family Member, First Nations

Bob Watts, First Nations

Kory Wilson, First Nations

Hillary Thatcher, Metis

Laura Arngna'naaq, Inuit

Stuart Coxe

Buffy Sainte-Marie, First Nations

Dr. Alika Lafontaine, BSc, MD, FRCPC

Sarah Midanik, President & CEO of DWF