Life
This young boy's tragic story highlights the harsh realities of Canada's residential school system.
Chanie Wenjack
What is Cecilia Jeffrey Residential School?
The name of the residential school Chanie attended.
What is approximately 600 kilometers (or 375 miles)
The approximate distance Chanie walked trying to return home.
Who is Gord Downie
The name of the musician who created a project to tell Chanie's story
What is the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund?
The name of the fund established to promote reconciliation in Canada
Chanie belonged to this First Nation.
the Ojibwe (or Anishinaabe)
What is Ontario?
The province where Cecilia Jeffrey Residential School was located.
What is starvation and exposure?
The cause of Chanie's death.
What is The Secret Path?
The name of the album and graphic novel that brought renewed attention to Chanie's story.
What is reconciliation?
the process of restoring or repairing relationships and addressing historical injustices?
The approximate age Chanie was when he died.
twelve
What are two examples such as physical and/or emotional abuse, lack of proper food and healthcare, cultural suppression, and forced assimilation?
Describe at least two conditions that made life difficult for students at Cecilia Jeffrey.
Describe the challenges Chanie faced during his journey home. such as extreme weather conditions, hunger, exhaustion, and fear? (
Describe the challenges Chanie faced during his journey home.
Name one medium used to tell Chanie's story in The Secret Path project
music, graphic novel, or animated film
Name one action that individuals can take to promote reconciliation.
Education, listening to Indigenous perspectives, supporting Indigenous communities, or challenging systemic racism
The name of the reserve where Chanie Wenjack was born.
Marten Falls Reserve
What prompted Chanie to run away from the residential school? (Beyond simply wanting to go home).
Possible reasons.
What kind of weather conditions might Chanie have encountered on his journey?
cold weather conditions during his journey, with temperatures potentially dropping to -6°C (21°F). He also walked for 36 hours in the wind.
What was the goal of Gord Downie's The Secret Path project?
to raise awareness about Chanie Wenjack's story and the history of residential schools in Canada, and to promote reconciliation
Describe a societal approach to reconciliation beyond individual actions.
Truth and Reconciliation Commissions, policy reforms, or investments in Indigenous communities
a description that includes his family life on the reserve, his community connections, and his likely experiences before being taken to residential school.
What is an explanation that includes the historical context, government policies, the impact on Indigenous families and communities, the loss of language and culture, and the intergenerational trauma?
Explain the historical context of residential schools in Canada and their impact on Indigenous communities.
What is an analysis that includes the themes of hope, resilience, the inherent strength of Indigenous peoples, and the devastating consequences of colonial policies?
This analysis would consider how Indigenous communities navigate the challenges of post-colonialism, including historical trauma, cultural disruption, and political marginalization
Discuss the impact of The Secret Path project on raising awareness about residential schools and fostering reconciliation.
an explanation that includes increased public awareness, fostering dialogue about residential schools and their legacy, and promoting reconciliation efforts
How was Chanie’s story significant in the path to change?
it sparked national conversation about the treatment of Indigenous children in residential schools and brought the practices of these schools into question. F