On May 9, 2025, over 1,000 students, staff, and guests gathered on the field of St. Mary Catholic Secondary School for the Downie Wenjack Walkathon a powerful and heartfelt day rooted in reconciliation, education and hope.
"We all inherited this Let's do something about it." - Chief Cadmus Delorme
Dressed in purple to symbolize hope, participants took part in a 30-minute Walk for Wenjack, stopping at student-led reflection stations and engaging in cultural performances, guest speakers, and Indigenous-led ecological activities. Highlights of the day included a blessing from Senator Mark Rath, a smudging ceremony by Melissa Button, and a moving testimony from Loretta "Budgie" Nadeau. Musical performances by Stars of the West and the Pilgrims of Hope vocal group added a spirit of prayer and reflection to the event.
Booths and interactive stations were hosted by Six Nations Polytechnic, Kayanase, and a local Indigenous business, offering activities like seed ball making and the sharing of traditional strawberry juice an upcoming festival in the local indigenous community.
A special thank-you goes to Amanda Ottolino, whose behind-the-scenes work helped shape the event, even though she could not attend due to an Elder gathering in the north. Deep gratitude is also extended to the Parent Council, feeder schools, and the many staff and student leaders who brought this vision to life.
Through art, music, storytelling, and environmental stewardship, the Walkathon became more than just an event it was a true ReconciliACTION: a living response to the Calls to Action and a tribute to Chanie Wenjack's legacy.
Let's continue walking this path together.
For more information
90 Mulberry Street
Hamilton Ontario
Canada L8N 3R9
www.hwcdsb.ca
