Gord Downie and Chanie Wenjack Legacy Space

A new Legacy Space in Loyalist Township

In July 2024, Loyalist Township proudly entered a 5-year agreement with the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund (DWF) to establish a Legacy Space within the newly renovated W.J. Henderson Recreation Centre.

Thanks to a generous grant received from the Community Foundations for Kingston and Area, our Legacy Space will include:

Exhibits and educational displays
indigenous art and artifacts
Storytelling and language programming
hands-on workshops and cultural events

Events, workshops and cultural gatherings

Programming will be community-led and built in collaboration with Indigenous Elders, artists, educators, and cultural leaders.

A full line up of events will begin once the W.J. Henderson re-opens to the public in Fall 2025. Events will include:

Guest Speakers & Storytelling Circles

Beading, Weaving, and Drum-Making Workshops

Medicine Walks & Teachings of the Three Sisters

Book Clubs and Language Classes

Indigenous Arts Showcases

Walk for Wenjack & Secret Path Week Activities

National Indigenous Peoples Day School Programming

Pearl Wenjack and Gord Downie

Gord's hands

Musicians on stage in front of artistic backdrop

Secret Path Live

Our shared commitment to reconciliation

The journey toward truth and reconciliation is one we must take together. Each of us has a role to play in responding to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action—whether through learning, listening, or taking meaningful steps in our everyday lives.

We invite you to join us to make the Legacy Space a place of action, reflection, and connection. By showing up, learning, and taking part, we can all be part of a stronger, more inclusive community rooted in respect, truth, and healing.

Here’s how we can all be part of the change:

Learn the True History

Discover the story of Chanie Wenjack, the legacy of residential schools, and the ongoing impacts on Indigenous communities. The Legacy Space offers opportunities for self-guided learning and educational programming for all ages.

Participate in Programs
Attend workshops, ceremonies, and events that celebrate Indigenous cultures, traditions, and teachings. Your presence supports cultural preservation and shows a commitment to understanding.

Engage in ReconciliACTION
ReconciliACTION means taking small, meaningful actions that contribute to reconciliation—such as reading an Indigenous author, attending a language class, or sharing what you learn with others.

Spread Awareness
Help amplify Indigenous voices by sharing stories, quotes, and photos from Legacy Space events. Raise awareness in your schools, workplaces, and communities.

Support Equity & Inclusion
Advocate for and contribute to inclusive spaces that honour and uplift Indigenous Peoples—starting right here in your community.

Listen with Openness and Respect
Reconciliation starts with listening. Attend storytelling events and community conversations to hear directly from Indigenous Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and youth.

Why this matters

Activating this Indigenous cultural space:

Fosters healing and cultural pride

Preserves Indigenous languages and traditions

Builds understanding and connection between communities

Supports cultural sovereignty and leadership

Provides economic opportunities for Indigenous artisans and educators

This is more than a space—it’s a living, growing commitment to a better shared future.

Learn more about the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund or contact Loyalist Township’s Cultural Development Coordinator.