K-12 Evaluated Resource Collection

Secret Path
Downie, G.; Lemire, J.
Twelve-year-old Chanie Wenjack has one goal – to escape from the residential school near Kenora and make his way back to his family. He flees from the school and follows the railroad tracks back home. Unfortunately, Chanie doesn’t know he has over 600 km to go to reach his family. During this formidable journey, Chanie succumbs to starvation and the cold, and dies on the railroad tracks. This vividly illustrated, haunting graphic novel puts a human face on residential schools and deals with the residential school experience thoughtfully and sensitively. Gord Downie’s poignant poems and songs can be downloaded, and an excellent animated video is accessible on YouTube.
Collections:
Indigenous, Novel
Subject:
English Language Arts
Grades:
  • 9-12
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