A Day To Listen

This year’s theme is Honouring Truth with Action.

Honouring truth means listening to the lived experiences of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples, acknowledging the lasting impacts of the residential school system and other colonial policies. After learning the truth, we encourage everyone in Canada to take meaningful steps toward reconciliation. This year, as DWF marks the 10th anniversary of Secret Path, we reflect on how Gord Downie honoured Chanie Wenjack’s story - his truth - and helped turn it into meaningful action by creating opportunities for learning, dialogue, and change. Through conversations with Indigenous leaders, Knowledge Keepers, educators, artists, and changemakers, this A DAY TO LISTEN, we'll explore how truth can inspire meaningful action in communities throughout Canada.

With this theme in mind, we will hear from guests on the following topics: 
•    Dr. Kisha Supernant on Indigenous archeology and the state of the search for residential school graves 
•    Chief Dr. Robert Joseph on how truth, healing and shared humanity can inspire meaningful action toward reconciliation 
•    Aaju Peter on protecting Inuit culture, language and traditional practices while advancing Inuit rights and self-determination 
•    Connie Walker on the power of storytelling, preserving Survivor testimony, and the consequences of destroying residential school records 
About the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund
The Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund aims to build cultural understanding and create a path toward reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. 
Through the Legacy Schools program, they provide tools and resources to over 10,000 educators in Canada so they can confidently teach students about not only the true history of this country, but also the richness, strength, and diversity of Indigenous cultures. 

Clint Davis (Inuk) is the CEO of the first-ever Indigenous majority-owned investment dealer in Canada,  dedicating his career to increasing Indigenous participation in capital markets. Clint has been helping quietly build Indigenous economies for over 20 years. As an Inuk man, Clint brings his upbringing with him to everything he does. Hosted by Kiefer Collison.

Robert Doane (Gitxsan) is the senior director of the National Indigenous Strategy through the Indigenous Office at CBC. In the past five years, Robert has met with First Nations, Inuit, and  Métis people across the country to discuss the public broadcaster’s coverage of Indigenous stories, what they get right, what they get wrong, and what more can be done to ensure Indigenous storytelling that is beneficial to all citizens. Hosted by January Rogers.

Niigaan Sinclair (Anishinaabe) is a cultural influencer, author, and professor. He is also the only son of the late Murray Sinclair, the former chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Niigaan reflects on his father’s legacy, their relationship, the state of reconciliation, and his own path ahead. Hosted by January Rogers.

When Waneek Horn-Miller (Kanien’kehà:ka) was only 14 years old, she was stabbed in the chest by a Canadian soldier during the Oka Crisis. Nine years later, she was the co-captain of Canada’s Olympic water polo team. Waneek talks about how she reconciled the betrayal by Canada by representing it on the world stage. Hosted by January Rogers.

When Ronald Ignace (Secwépemc) was a young teen boy, he ran away from residential school. Later, he realized the importance of education and worked to get his high school diploma, then went on to a Master’s degree. Through his passion for his Shuswap language and love of learning, Ron would become the first Commissioner of Indigenous Languages. Hosted by Kiefer Collison.

Carol Anne Hilton (Nuu-chah-nulth) created a hashtag and is now managing a movement. Indigenomics is the visibility and inclusion of Indigenous business and economic growth globally. Carol Anne talks about multi-generational Indigenous wealth creation and how education is shifting focus from teaching and social work to business. Hosted by January Rogers.

When you work in the field of child welfare, it helps to have a real understanding of what families and children are going through. Kayla Frank (Cree) can relate. In a vulnerable and honest conversation, Kayla shares her own journey and vision for how to support families through better systems. Hosted by Kiefer Collison.

When the CEO and President of Indspire was growing up, he didn’t dream of being a CEO or a president of an organization. But his path of education and life-long learning led him to that exact position. Mike DeGagne (Anishinaabe) shares his journey and thoughts about the importance of post-secondary education and how to get there. Hosted by Kiefer Collison.

Kimberly Murray (Kanien'keha) discusses her role as the former Special Interlocutor for Missing Children and Burial Sites, why there are denialists, and how Mohawk children burned down the very first residential institution – the Mohawk Institute. Hosted by January Rogers.