Media Release
Bruce County, Ontario: This year, residents across Bruce County are invited to take meaningful steps toward reconciliation by participating in Walk for Wenjack events and attending special screenings of The Secret Path, a powerful film about Chanie Wenjack’s story and the legacy of residential schools in Canada.
These events are part of a national initiative led by the Gord Downie and Chanie Wenjack Fund, which seeks to honour Chanie Wenjack’s memory by sparking conversation and creating awareness about the ongoing impacts of residential schools. The Fund encourages all Canadians to participate in the journey of reconciliation through education, understanding and community action.
This year, Bruce County is excited to expand Walk for Wenjack programming in partnership with the Municipality of Brockton and the Municipality of Kincardine, offering broader opportunities for Indigenous and non-Indigenous community members to walk together in reflection, learning and remembrance.
Walk for Wenjack Schedule:
· Thursday, August 14 – Cape Croker Park, Neyaashiinigmiing (gather at the Arbour)
· Friday, October 17 – Wiarton, Bluewater Park
· Saturday, October 18 – Kincardine, Station Beach
· Monday, October 20 – Southampton, Fairy Lake Pavilion
· Tuesday, October 21 – Walkerton, Riverbend Park
All walks begin at 1 p.m. and are free to attend. Light refreshments will be provided. Donations to the Nawash Food Bank will be accepted onsite. The first 10 donors at each event will receive a gift from the Downie Wenjack Fund.
In addition to the walks, community members are invited to attend screenings of The Secret Path, a poignant animated film based on the album by Gord Downie and the graphic novel by Jeff Lemire. The story follows 12-year-old Chanie Wenjack, who died while trying to return home after escaping a residential school. Through music and powerful visuals, the film brings attention to a story that has too often gone unheard.
Film Screening Schedule:
· Friday, October 17 – Bruce County Public Library, Wiarton Branch, 3:30 p.m.
· Monday, October 20 – Bruce County Museum & Cultural Centre, 11:30 a.m. and 7 p.m.
· Tuesday, October 21 – Bruce County Public Library, Walkerton Branch, 3 p.m.
For more information and event updates, visit www.brucemuseum.ca/event/walk-for-wenjack.
These programs are made possible through a collaboration between Cape Croker Park, Ktaamgwedaagwad Gindasswin Adult Learning Centre, Nawash Chief and Council, Bruce County Museum & Cultural Centre, Bruce County Public Library, the Municipality of Kincardine, the Municipality of Brockton and Bruce Power.
