The Secret Path
Gord Downie began The Secret Path as ten poems inspired by the story of Chanie Wenjack, a twelve-year-old Anishinaabe boy who died on October 22, 1966, while fleeing from the Cecilia Jeffrey Indian Residential School near Kenora, Ontario. Chanie was attempting to walk home to his family over 600 km away. Gord learned about the story of Chanie (misnamed “Charlie” by his teachers) through his brother Mike, who introduced him to Ian Adams’ Maclean’s story from February 6, 1967, “The Lonely Death of Charlie Wenjack.”
First released in 2016, The Secret Path marks its 10th anniversary this year. The project includes an album, a graphic novel illustrated by Jeff Lemire, and an animated film. Together, the Secret Path project has become a powerful tool for education, reflection and conversation about the ongoing impacts of residential schools in Canada.
Lesson plans for The Secret Path have been generously provided in partnership with the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund. Join the Legacy Schools program to receive a free Legacy Schools toolkit and gain access to resources throughout the school year.
Director
Gord Downie
Downie was a legendary musician, writer, poet, and activist, best known as the frontman of the iconic band, The Tragically Hip. He won six Junos and two Canadian Screen Awards for his music, and is remembered as a brilliant lyricist and inspiring figure in Canadian music. The Secret Path was his directorial debut.
Writers
Gord Downie, Mike Downie
Producers
Gord Downie, Jeff Lemire, Justin Stephenson
Genres
Animation, Drama
Interests
Biography, BIPOC Stories, Discrimination, History, Literary Adaptation, Social Justice & Politics
Original Language
English