Running head: RESOURCE EVALUATION; SECRET PATH

EDUCATION 530 S32 - Indigenous Education

Secret Path Executive Summary and Classroom Applications

Nanita Blomquist, Jasmine McBride, Jacalyn Vang and Cheryl Wiltse

September 28th, 2019

RESOURCE EVALUATION: SECRET PATH 2

Resource Evaluation: A Critical Analysis

Secret Path (Downie & Lemire, 2016) is a mixed media portrayal encompassing a

graphic novel and animated film, depicting the story of Chanie Wenjack’s life; a twelve year old

First Nations child who was taken from his home and brought to a Residential School. Chanie

ran away in an attempt to get back home to his family and sadly passed away on the walk due to

exposure and hunger. Secret Path (Downie & Lemire, 2016) is accepted by the Aboriginal

community as a true version of the event, being recognized and celebrated by First Nations and

non-First Nations groups alike. It shows cultural and historical authenticity through the portrayal

of Residential Schools and Chanie’s plight. The graphic novel shows an authentic version of the

events, illustrating Chanie’s life appropriately and empathetically. Secret Path (Downie &

Lemire, 2016) takes care to be free of bias, ensuring the information is objective, often allowing

the audience to draw their own conclusions. Language, terminology and artwork are portrayed as

authentic and respectful to the Aboriginal culture. The combination of spoken word and film

allow the reader to explore Chanie’s story through multiple styles of learning. It is important to

have the written words available while listening to the audio, as the lyrics are not always

comprehensible, making it difficult to follow along. The story was brought forward by the

Wenjack family and corroborated through historical accounts during the time of Residential

Schools. This brings authenticity to the resource, and allows the teacher to feel confident in

knowing the information taught is factual, precise and respectful of the First Nations culture.

Incorporating further resources to gain background information on Residential Schools prior to

exploring Secret Path (Downie & Lemire, 2016), will allow students to create a more meaningful

learning experience, leading to a deeper understanding and connection to the story.

Practical Classroom Applications

RESOURCE EVALUATION: SECRET PATH 3

Secret Path (Downie & Lemire, 2016) can be utilized in a classroom setting through

multiple applications. While not appropriate for every grade level, we see it most effectively

used in middle school and up; ensuring it is taught in conjunction with the animated film and

reviewed multiple times for adequate understanding. Utilizing both book and film forms of

Secret Path (Downie & Lemire, 2016) allows the students to gain a better understanding of what

happened to Chanie Wenjack and provides an introduction to Residential Schools.

After further background information on Residential Schools has been given,

interdisciplinary learning through Art, ELA and Social Studies could be easily developed. For

example, exploration of how the images are depicted, through placement of colour, or lack

thereof and size of people or significant cultural artifacts could be done. As this is an emotional

part of Indigenous history, a reflective journal allows students to write down their feelings,

thoughts and questions in a safe environment. It is important to develop a questioning guide for

students, providing formative feedback for teachers and deeper understanding for students.

Utilizing various resources in the classroom, from the CBC interviews with the family to

Wenjack Week and Orange Shirt Day, meaningful learning can occur and student

accommodations can be met. Alberta Program of Studies (2005) states, “social studies provides

opportunities for students to develop the attitudes, skills and knowledge that will enable them to

become engaged, active, informed and responsible citizens”. A practical classroom application is

inviting an Aboriginal elder to speak and provide a first hand account of life in a First Nations

community. The resource is diverse and provides a wealth of authentic learning opportunities.
RESOURCE EVALUATION: SECRET PATH 4

References

Alberta Education (2005). Programs of study. Retrieved from https://www.alberta.ca/

programs-of-study.aspx.

CBC Arts. (2016, October 23). Gord Downie’s The Secret Path. Retrieved from

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yGd764YU9yc

Downie, G., & Lemire, J. (2016). The Secret Path. Toronto, ON: Simon & Schuster, Inc.