Artist Ambassador Application - The Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund

School Application for the High School Artist Ambassador Program

The Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund’s (DWF) High School Artist Ambassador Program provides opportunities for Secondary Schools throughout Canada to have an Indigenous or non-Indigenous artist visit their school to engage in meaningful conversation about student projects focused on Secret Path, residential schools and reconciliation that support and meet global competencies, 21st century learning and curriculum expectations for students in the classroom.

Schools must be registered as a Legacy School with the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund in order to participate. Artists share their art, music and stories through workshops and/or performances and engage students in learning and conversations about reconciliation. High schools hosting Artist Ambassadors are also encouraged to have students share their own stories, art, and reconciliACTIONs with their guests. The goal is to inspire student leadership and forward the journey of reconciliation in schools and community.

Educators are encouraged to research and prepare students for your Artist Ambassador visit. It is up to the individual teacher to ensure that they have a good understanding of the material before facilitating the artists visit at their school.

Selection Process

Legacy Schools who are selected to participate in the program must:
• be registered as a Legacy School (legacyschools.ca)
• have sound knowledge and understanding of Indigenous issues in Canada (including but not limited to residential schools, Chanie Wenjack, and Secret Path)
• understand the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund mission and vision
• wish to further reconciliation answering Gord Downie’s call to “Do Something”
• demonstrate that students in the class and/or classes have proven ability to speak and work on projects about residential schools and reconciliation

We encourage all of our Legacy Schools to apply, however, school selection will be based on a number of things including but not limited to school location in relation to artist tour dates, Legacy School involvement with DWF, proven ability to complete DWF surveys, forms, questionnaires and media releases, and class, school and community reconciliACTIONs. We encourage schools from remote regions to please consider applying.

Due to the high volume of requests we get, we cannot guarantee an artist visit. Logistics, timing and a good fit for the school and artist all play a big role in determining these opportunities. If your schedule and interests align with an artist we will be in touch.

The Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund

Registered Charity Number: 784055915RR0001

About Our Fund

Inspired by Chanie’s story and Gord’s call to build a better Canada, the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund aims to build cultural understanding and create a path toward reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. Our goal is to improve the lives of Indigenous people by building awareness, education, and connections between all Canadians.

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Get In Touch

Phone: 1-844-944-4545

E-mail: staff@downiewenjack.ca

Address:
PO BOX 749
OHSWEKEN, ON
N0A1M0