Music News

First Listen: Understanding the Secret Path

It’s October, which means Secret Path Week is almost upon us again. 

Between October 17 and 22, Canadians are called to “Do Something,” as urged by Gord Downie during the final Tragically Hip concert, to further the conversation about reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous cultures and people. 

Towns, schools and people across the country will participate in events, from concerts and educational events to community walks that symbolically help return Chanie Wenjack to his home. Wenjack was just 12 years old when he attempted to return to his family more than 600 kilometer away from the residential school where he’d been taken, against his family’s will. 

The dates for Secret Path Week commemorate, in the words of the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund, the dates that Downie and Chanie “joined the spirit world.” 

Among the highlights of this year’s events is Secret Path Live, a very special concert at Roy Thomson Hall on Saturday, October 19. In addition to an incredible list of singers that include Sam Roberts, Buffy Sainte-Marie and July Talk, taking the stage that night will be the original group of musicians who supported Downie when he first performed Secret Path in October 2016. 

To help people prepare for Secret Path Week and to better understand what it’s about, the Downie Wenjack Fund created this audio special 

A new radio special hosted by Tanya Talaga, “Understanding the Secret Path” includes guests Mike Downie, Harriet Visitor (Chanie Wenjack’s niece), Kevin Hearn and Kevin Drew of the Barenaked Ladies and Broken Social Scene, respectively, along with Sarah Midanik, CEO and President of the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund and Brad Baker, Legacy Schools education advisory circle and principal. 

Give it a listen:

Amber Healy

I write about music policy and lawsuits because they're endlessly fascinating.

Amber Healy has 517 posts and counting. See all posts by Amber Healy

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