The Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund is commemorating 10 years of Gord Downie’s Secret Path through a special series of events. This includes a playlist of Indigenous covers and a tribute concert scheduled for Oct. 23 at The Concert Hall in Toronto.

What is the Secret Path legacy?

Originally released in 2016, Secret Path is a 10-song album and graphic novel that tells the story of Chanie Wenjack. Wenjack was a 12-year-old Anishinaabe boy who died in 1966 while attempting to walk 600 kilometres home after fleeing the Cecilia Jeffrey Indian Residential School.

According to the Fund, the project has reached significant milestones:

  • The story was later adapted into an animated film.
  • Mike Downie, a founding board member, stated the story has inspired more than three million meaningful actions.
  • Harriet Visitor, Wenjack’s niece, noted the narrative reflects the experiences of over 150,000 Indigenous children sent to residential schools.

Celebrating with Indigenous music

To mark the anniversary, a YouTube playlist has been released featuring 12 artists covering the original tracks. Notable contributors include Tanya Tagaq and the band July Talk, who cover "Haunt Them, Haunt Them, Haunt Them," and Tom Wilson, who performs "Here, Here and Here." Other participating artists include Aysanabee, Amanda Rheaume, and Julian Taylor.

The upcoming anniversary concert on Oct. 23 will feature a lineup of the Fund's Artist Ambassadors. These performers will play songs from the Secret Path album, their own music, and covers of The Tragically Hip. The event is expected to include an Indigenous vendor marketplace to support the Fund's ongoing programs.

FAQ

When is the Secret Path anniversary concert?

The concert will take place on Friday, Oct. 23, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at The Concert Hall in Toronto.

Where can I find the new covers?

The Fund has released a playlist of covers by various artists on YouTube.