We are pleased to invite you to a keynote with Sarah Midanik, President & CEO of the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund.
Ten years ago, Gord Downie, lead singer of The Tragically Hip, released Secret Path. Secret Path tells the story of Chanie Wenjack, a 12-year-old Anishinaabe boy who died after escaping Cecilia Jeffrey Indian Residential School and attempting to make the 600km journey home to his family in Ogoki Post. What began as an album, a graphic novel, and an animated film has turned into a national movement centred around awareness, education, and connection.
This keynote will provide attendees with the opportunity to learn more about the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund (DWF), which aims to build understanding and create a path toward reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. You will have the opportunity to reflect on the true history of Canada, including the ongoing impacts of the residential school system and other colonial policies, the progress made since the release of Secret Path, and the role each of us can play in moving reconciliation forward.
Fasken is a proud Legacy Spaces partner and sponsor of the Legacy Schools program. This keynote gives us an opportunity to learn more about the important work we are supporting.
About Sarah Midanik
Sarah Midanik is an Indigenous professional who is passionate about increasing capacity and social impact across Indigenous communities. Born and raised near the historic Métis community of St. Albert, Sarah is a proud member of the Métis Nation of Alberta and the Cunningham family. She is currently the President & CEO of the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund, a national charity that builds cultural understanding and creates a path towards reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Canada. A dedicated volunteer, Sarah currently sits on the boards of the Canadian Council for Indigenous Business (CCIB) and the Calgary Zoo. Sarah completed her MBA in the Indigenous Business and Leadership program at Simon Fraser University in 2023, was named one of The Peak’s Emerging Leaders of 2022, and one of Canada’s Most Powerful Women: WXN Top 100 award winners for 2024.
Agenda
- 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm MT Webinar and Q&A
- 11:00 am - 12:00 pm PT
- 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm ET
- 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm BT
- 8:00 pm - 9:00 pm SAST
Type
This event is complimentary
Please note that the session will be held in English. Live French translation will be available.
This program contains 1 hour of accredited professional responsibility and ethics content for the purposes of the Law Society of British Columbia’s annual Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements. The session has been loaded with the LSBC and is titled "The Legacy of Secret Path: From Awareness to ReconciliACTION - October 1, 2026". It is available for claiming through your LSBC Member Portal.
Our conferences are recognized as continuing professional education activities by the Barreau du Québec. A confirmation of participation will be sent to you for your continuing education hours with the Barreau du Québec.
For CPD/CLE in other jurisdictions, please contact your local Law Society.
