Secret Path Legacy School Project - École Windsor Secondary

Grade 9 students

wrote, painted, and collaged their thoughts, feelings and questions in response to Gord Downie and Jeff Lemire’s Secret Path.

When students shared

their entries with others, we recognized the hard work and time that students had put into their entries, and we were inspired by their creativity.

Students were genuinely

moved when they watched and listened to "Swing Set."

We would read the lyrics

and then students would respond to the words and imagery in writing. They noted words and images that stood out for them and they asked questions.

Students drew

perceptive pictures and wrote thought provoking questions in response to Secret Path.

Students wrote

personal and heartfelt memoirs about “returning home” in their journals after reading “Swing Set” from Secret Path.

Students layered

their ideas and drawings in response to Secret Path.

Students created

profoundly moving images of the railway tracks that Chanie followed attempting to reunite with his family who were 600 kilometres away in Okoki Post.

Students drew

images and incorporated quotations from the lyrics in response to Secret Path.

Students used

watercolour techniques to create powerful and moving images in response to Secret Path.

Students were moved

by the song “Seven Matches.”

Students read

investigative journalist, Ian Adam’s cover story from a 1967 issue of Macleans, “The Lonely Death of Chanie Wenjack.” This article was painful to read. It answered many of the questions that students were raising about Chanie’s life. This article inspired Gord Downie and Mike Downie to make the Secret Path album, film, and graphic novel.

Students knew

that they could take a moment to themselves if they experienced emotional triggers. School counsellors and administration were on call to offer their support students if needed.

Students cut words and images

from existing texts to create profound new images in response to Secret Path.

We watched and listened

to Chanie’s sister, Pearl Wenjack, with Gord Downie and Mike Downie at her side, sing a hymn in Chanie’s honour for WE Day in Toronto in 2016.

Mr. Matt Burnett showed

students how students could use watercolour paints and a straw to create a dramatic effect in their work.

Students used their imagination

and creativity to black out some words and keep other words from the lyrics.

Ms. Kelly gave Chanie a jar of matches

before he left the Kelly’s house to continue to walk home. Chanie Wenjack was hoping to return to his family in Ogaki Post, Ontario, which was 600 kilometres from Cecilia Jeffrey Residential School.

Gord Downie wrote,

“Chanie haunts me. His story is Canada’s story. This is about Canada.”

Students juxtaposed quotations with drawings:

“We were at the swing set…’not yet’ you said.”

Grade 9 students learned

to draw a raven under the guidance of local artist, Mr. Gordon Dick, who is a member of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation, and works for the NVSD’s Indigenous Education Team.

We are grateful

for the time Gordon was able to spend with us at Windsor.

Grade 9 students learned

to draw a raven using Coast Salish shapes under the direction and guidance Mr. Gordon Dick.

Mr. Gordon Dick shared authentic stories

of residential school to help explain to students why Chanie would have wanted to flee to be with his family.

Windsor’s Art Teacher, Mr. Matt Burnett,

visited English 9 classes to teach students about the art of watercolour painting, inspired by Jeff Lemire’s watercolour illustrations in Secret Path.

It has been a true honour and a privilege

to learn from and collaborate with the guest speakers who have shared their stories and ideas with students for this project.

Mr. Matt Burnett drew

a touching portrait of Chanie. He showed students how to use brush techniques to shade and create mood for their journal entries.

Norgate Elementary School hosted representatives

from each of the NVSD Legacy Schools for a special presentation with Mike Downie who is Gord Downie’s brother and the Secret Path filmmaker.

Students had a great deal of latitude

for how they chose to respond in their journals. This resulted in a great deal of creativity and personal reflection.