A new Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Legacy Space has opened at the W.J. Henderson Recreation Centre in Amherstview, marking an important step toward truth and reconciliation in Loyalist Township.
President and CEO of the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund, Sarah Midanik, was in attendance, and praised the community’s commitment to learning, connection, and healing. Midanik said progress on reconciliation takes generations but each community space helps spark understanding and action.
All of Gord Downie’s siblings, Mike, Patrick, Paula and Charlyn, were all in attendance as well. Mike spoke about their deep ties to Amherstview and the rink itself, where Gord grew up playing hockey. He also spoke of Gord’s legacy of using art and music to inspire change.
Stacy Kelly of the Community Foundation for Kingston and Area called the space a promise for continued education and kinship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.
Mayor Jim Hegadorn said the new space reflects Loyalist Township’s long-term commitment to reconciliation.
They said more than 120 legacy spaces now exist across Canada to promote learning about Indigenous history and culture.
Written by Emily Chatwood
