Secret Path

*Note most of the lessons on this page are for Intermediate but the Manitoba Teachers Society has some primary lessons see below.

Official Secret Path Website

“Gord Downie began Secret Path as ten poems incited by the story of Chanie Wenjack, a twelve year-old boy who died fifty years ago on October 22, 1966, in flight from the Cecilia Jeffrey Indian Residential School near Kenora, Ontario, walking home to the family he was taken from over 400 miles away.

Gord was introduced to Chanie Wenjack (miscalled “Charlie” by his teachers) by Mike Downie, his brother, who shared with him Ian Adams’ Maclean’s story from February 6, 1967, “The Lonely Death of Charlie Wenjack.”

The documentary concludes a CBC trilogy that has spanned three years and includes The Secret Path animated feature (set to Downie’s Secret Path album) and Gord Downie’s Secret Path in Concert. Stream both in full on the Secret Path website

Music is also included on this page.

Click here to see the 1967 Maclean’s article, The Lonely Death of Charlie Wenjack.

Behind the scenes with Gord Downie at the challenging and inspiring Secret Path live rehearsals

Downie’s band, family and the Secret Path team share stories in this clip from new doc Finding the Secret Path from CBC Docs. The documentary concludes a CBC trilogy that has spanned three years and includes The Secret Path animated feature (set to Downie’s Secret Path album) and Gord Downie’s Secret Path in Concert. Streaming available here in full now.

For trailer, view clip below…

Teaching with Compassion Poster: Ideas for Self-Care when Exploring Difficult Topics

Click here for a PDF version of the poster. This poster can be ordered from the SD71 Print Shop.

Lesson Plans from Manitoba Teachers Association

The Manitoba Teachers’ Society created lesson plans for the book, Secret Path. There are lesson plans for all grade levels and in French! Click here for lessons. These lessons are also included in SD71 LRC Secret Path kits. Music links are included.

Secret Path Locally Developed Lessons

These lessons look at the first song/chapter of the book Secret Path, called the Stranger. Students get a look at the background information of Chanie and his journey and the connection to Gord Downie. Using think, wonder, and notice as a discussion points, students watch the music video, read the book, and have an in-depth look at the lyrics.

You could continue to use this discussion model as you work your way through the book.

Introductory Lesson

Lesson 2 – Identity – What Makes You, You?

Lesson 3 – Lyrics Discussion