We need to remember the pain we caused in past as we move forward together so that we don’t repeat our mistakes.ĭownie is certainly not the first person to try to inspire change, and it’s a problem that we aren’t listening to Indigenous voices on a larger scale however, he has created space for dialogue where there was none. We can’t afford to blame our ancestors for residential schools when we still retain colonial attitudes that hold our country back from what it could be. It really doesn’t matter if you weren’t personally involved in the removal of Aboriginal children from their homes because we’re so far beyond shifting the blame – or at least, we should be. Secret Path presents Wenjack’s story and fosters empathy in a way that statistics and reports can’t. I’ve heard a lot of excuses about colonialism, but we’re beyond excuses. I’m told that newer generations of Canadians are learning about treaties and residential schools, which reassures me that we’re on the right track. I’m ashamed that it has taken nearly an entire university degree for me to begin looking critically at my history and those who wrote it. I have always been proud to be Canadian, but recently I’ve been questioning the things I’ve been taught about my country. Proceeds from the book’s sales will go to the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, and the animated version of the graphic novel was broadcasted by the CBC on Oct. Secret Path tells the story of Chanie Wenjack, a 12-year-old boy who died of hunger and exposure while trying to walk back home from a residential school. With the support of the Wenjack family, the book was written by Gordon Downie and illustrated by Jeff Lemire. Downie’s recent cancer diagnosis has granted the singer a huge platform from which to release his graphic novel, Secret Path. The Hip and lead singer Gord Downie have always chosen to tell the uncomfortable truths about our country although, I’m not so sure that everyone understands the lyrics. When I saw them live for the first time, I thought my heart was going to burst out of my chest. I have loved The Tragically Hip for as long as I can remember: from memories of my father singing along to “New Orleans Is Sinking” in the car, or waking up to “Courage” on Sunday mornings.
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