A Day to Listen is a movement being shared by radio stations across the country, in partnership with the Gord Downie and Chanie Wenjack Fund. Its mission is to create a pathway towards reconciliation, and to improve the lives of Indigenous people by building awareness, education, and connections between all Canadians.
The discovery of hundreds of unmarked graves at residential schools in Canada has left many with a deep sense of sorrow.
And for non-Indigenous people, it’s left many wondering what they can do to help. Dr. Alika Lafontaine is an Indigenous physician and says there are countless ways to be an ally.
“Continue learning, read the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s calls to action, take a free course to learn more about Indigenous history, donate to Indigenous charities and organizations doing the work, especially those working at the community level, focused on healing.”
Residents are also encouraged to visit 215pledge.ca and read more about the action plan for lost children who died in Canada’s residential schools.
“It’s important to connect the headlines to real human experiences and listen to the voices of Indigenous people,” Dr. Lafontaine says. “This is something that’s happened in our lifetime, our parents’ lifetime. It’s not some far off history that we can forget about.”
For more details, visit www.downiewenjack.ca. Text DWF to 20222 to donate $10 to the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund.
