Radio Broadcasters Across Canada Unite to Amplify Indigenous Voices for A DAY TO LISTEN on September 30

– William Prince hosts the 12-hour radio broadcast marking the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation –

– Special guests include Chief Dr. Robert Joseph, Aaju Peter, and Dr. Kisha Supernant –

– To learn more, and for a full list of guest speakers and participating radio stations, visit ADayToListen.ca –

TORONTO, Sept. 23, 2026 – In recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, hundreds of broadcasters in Canada are coming together for the sixth year in a row to amplify Indigenous voices with A DAY TO LISTEN 2026. Produced by the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund (DWF) in partnership with Orbyt Media, the 12-hour broadcast airs on radio stations throughout Canada on Wednesday, September 30, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.(local time). 

JUNO Award-winning singer-songwriter William Prince takes the lead as the host of A DAY TO LISTEN to share stories and interviews with Indigenous community leaders, experts, artists, creators, Elders, and more.

This year’s theme is Honouring Truth with Action. Honouring truth means listening to the lived experiences of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples and acknowledging the lasting impacts of the residential school system and other colonial policies. But listening is only the starting point. A DAY TO LISTEN 2026 explores how learning the truth can inspire meaningful action and contribute to reconciliation in communities throughout Canada. 

“As we mark the 10th anniversary of Gord Downie’s Secret Path, we’re reminded of the impact we can have when people listen to the truth, and choose to act,” said Sarah Midanik, President & CEO of the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund. “Through Secret Path, Gord helped bring Chanie Wenjack’s story and the truth about residential schools into the national conversation, inspiring people throughout Canada to take action. This year’s A DAY TO LISTEN is an opportunity to build on that legacy, coming together throughout the country to honour truth and consider how we can turn that into meaningful action to move reconciliation forward.” 

“It is an honour to continue our partnership with the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund on the sixth annual edition of A DAY TO LISTEN, especially as we mark the 10th anniversary of Secret Path,” said Heidi Baiden, Senior Manager at Orbyt Media. “This impactful broadcast brings together radio stations across Canada to observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, sharing these vital stories and interviews with listeners.” 

Listeners are encouraged to visit downiewenjack.ca throughout the day to explore educational programming, such as the Legacy Schools program, which provides educators with free tools and resources to teach not only the true history of residential schools but also the richness, strength, and diversity of Indigenous cultures. DWF is an Indigenous-led national charity working to build cultural understanding and create a path toward reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. Listeners can learn how they can Do Something to move reconciliation forward by visiting downiewenjack.ca. 

The first A DAY TO LISTEN took place on June 30, 2021, following the announcement of 215 potential unmarked graves at the site of the former Kamloops Indian Residential School. More than 540 radio stations participated in the inaugural edition of the broadcast, spanning a multitude of markets, regions, and formats. 

For more information: 

Holly Claeys

Lead, Marketing & Communications, Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund

holly@downiewenjack.ca

About the Host  

William Prince – William Prince, the two-time JUNO Award-winning artist from Peguis First Nation, continues to build an exceptional body of acclaimed work. Prince meets the challenge of putting incisive and enduring words to this age of uncertainty. Further From the Country, his fifth LP, is an extraordinary work of observation, reflection and ambition, a work that will leave its mark on listeners for its humanity and its potency. Carrying forward great legacies of family and songcraft, Prince offers a perspective that is both singular and significant, sharing personal and universal truths with humanity and potency. Whether on renowned stages like Newport Folk Festival and Massey Hall or in more intimate settings, Prince creates a rare connection with audiences—his performances unfolding as thoughtful, story-rich experiences that linger long after the final note. 

About the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund

Inspired by Chanie’s story and Gord’s call to build a better Canada, the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund aims to build cultural understanding and create a path toward reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. Our goal is to improve the lives of Indigenous people by building awareness, education, and connections between all peoples in Canada. Learn more at downiewenjack.ca. 

About Orbyt Media

Orbyt Media, a subsidiary of Bell Media, is Canada’s premier content syndication group, providing the most comprehensive lineup of programs and best-in-class broadcast services to more than 380 stations in 155 markets across the country. Orbyt Media delivers the world’s best in talk, entertainment, and sports programming, in addition to industry-leading imaging, production, show prep, and research tools. For more information, please visit OrbytMedia.com.

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