Walk for Wenjack helps Calgarians support reconciliation with action

Dozens of Calgarians gathered for a Walk for Wenjack on Sunday to raise awareness and funds to support reconciliation.
Accenture Canada hosted the event in partnership with the Downie and Wenjack Fund, founded by Gord Downie of the Tragically Hip.
Keith Burns, an organizer and technology consultant with Accenture, explained how the first walk in 2016 started outside Jeffrey Indian Residential School and followed the path of Chanie Wenjack, a 12-year-old boy who was trying to rejoin their family but never made it home.
This weekend's walk honoured that legacy by learning about the legacy of residential schools and fundraising to help support reconciliation efforts, Burns said.
"We are doing a walk right now to help reconciliation and the journey towards bridging the gap of Canada's history," he added.
The group had raised more than $27,000 to benefit the Downie Wenjack fund. Around 80 people were expected to attend a smudge ceremony and drum circle, then a reflective walk along the Bow River pathway.
"Having events like this allows us to listen, learn from those who actually experienced it and really reflect on what our ancestors and previous governments have done," Burns said.
"It allows us to be more inclusive as a society and work towards something where we are all in this together."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Family in remote northern Ont. reeling after daughter killed in fire, home destroyed
A family in the remote community of Peawanuck, Ont., is dealing not only with the death of their young daughter, but the loss of everything they owned in a Jan. 28 house fire.

'Laverne & Shirley' actor Cindy Williams dies at 75
Cindy Williams, who was among the most recognizable stars in America in the 1970s and 80s for her role as Shirley opposite Penny Marshall's Laverne on the beloved sitcom 'Laverne & Shirley,' has died, her family said Monday.
Why adding a bit of milk to your morning coffee might be good for you
Adding some milk to your morning coffee may boost the body's anti-inflammatory response, new research out of Denmark shows.
A short-lived 'punch in the face' cold snap is coming for Eastern Canada
The beginning of February is expected to bring Arctic-like temperatures across much of Eastern Canada, thanks to frigid air from the polar vortex. The cold snap will descend on Eastern Canada this week, with temperatures becoming seasonable again on Sunday. In between, much of Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic Canada can expect the coldest days yet this winter.
Late Jean Vanier sexually abused 25 women, says non-profit he founded
A report commissioned by a non-profit organization founded by the late Jean Vanier says the Canadian sexually abused 25 women during his decades with the group.
Girl, 6, dies after T-bar lift incident at Quebec ski resort
A six-year-old girl died in hospital Sunday night after being involved in an incident at the Val-Saint-Côme ski resort in Lanaudiere. Quebec police are investigating, though details into the event are not yet known. Officers indicated that it involved a T-bar lift, but they were not able to say more.
Mindbender roller coaster closed after 37 years at West Edmonton Mall
The Mindbender roller coaster at Galaxyland has been shut down, West Edmonton Mall announced on Monday. The redevelopment of the area is already underway, and the roller coaster is being decommissioned and removed.
Nike sues Lululemon, says footwear infringes patents
Nike sued Lululemon Athletica on Monday, saying that at least four of the Canadian athletic apparel company's footwear products infringe its patents.
'Just incredible': Winnipegger and former teammate remembers Bobby Hull
Without Bobby Hull, the Winnipeg Jets wouldn’t be in the NHL right now. That’s how one of his former teammates feels about the late Jets forward.