Secret Path Week
Secret Path Week is a national movement commemorating the legacies of Gord Downie and Chanie Wenjack that takes place annually from October 17-22. This is a meaningful week as October 17th and 22nd respectively mark the dates that Gord Downie and Chanie Wenjack joined the spirit world.
We use Secret Path Week to answer Gord Downie’s call to action, to “Do Something” by creating a reconciliACTION and furthering the conversation about the history of Residential Schools.
Due to COVID-19, the bulk of activities taking place during Secret Path Week will occur online. For upcoming event information, check out their events calendar here.
Walk for Wenjack
In acknowledgment of Secret Path Week, SANQC will be participating in the Walk for Wenjack on Thu, Oct 22 to honor Chanie Wenjack.
Chanie was an Anishinaabe boy born in Ogoki Post on Jan. 19, 1954. At the age of nine, Chanie was sent to the Cecilia Jeffrey Indian Residential school in Kenora, ON.
In 1966, at the age of 12, he ran away from Cecilia Jeffrey, attempting to reunite with his family 600 kms away. Chanie’s body was found beside the railway tracks on Oct 22, 1966, a week after he fled. He succumbed to starvation and exposure.
We will Walk for Wenjack to raise awareness of the true history and impact of Residential Schools. All funds raised directly support the DWF’s mission to build cultural understanding, and create a path toward reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.
Visit downiewenjack.ca to learn more about Chanie’s story and Gord Downie’s call for all Canadians do “Do Something”.
How to sign up:
• Click here for the SANQC team page.
• Click “Join this Team”.
• Enter your details to complete your registration.
For every 20 people that sign up we will do a draw for a lucky NorQuester to win a copy of the Secret Path Book.
Please note: We will not be gathering to walk together but rather all walking on the same day in our own communities and spaces.