NAN launches Secret Path Curriculum

Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Deputy Grand Chief Derek Fox joined with members of the Wenjack family and educators to launch the Secret Path Curriculum Resource at Trent University today.

“As we launched this curriculum we remember the love and determination of both Chanie Wenjack and Gord Downie, who’s individual journeys ended with their legacies intertwined in such a unique and meaningful way to reveal the truth about the Indian Residential School System,” said Deputy Grand Chief Derek Fox, who holds the education portfolio. “We thank the Wenjack and Downie families for supporting the development of this resource that will allow so educators and students to understand the tragedy of Residential Schools and the inter-generational effects. We are grateful for their efforts and all those who make worked so hard to make this possible.”

The Teacher and Protocol Resource documents unveiled today will provide educators across the province, in both First Nation schools, private schools and provincially funded schools with the tools to appropriately use the Secret Path in classrooms across Ontario. The supportive resource documents provide foundational learning for educators in understanding First Nations perspectives and our past, present and future.

The Teacher Resource Document includes curriculum linked, age and grade appropriate lessons to support instruction, delivery and learning. The Protocol Guide Supportive Document will enhance teacher confidence and competency in the instructional delivery on the history of First Nations and the impacts of the Residential School System on First Nations people.

Gord Downie’s personal journey brought the tragic story of Chanie Wenjack to a national audience through his Secret Path graphic novel, music and animated film. Secret Path was released in October 2016 with the support of Nishnawbe Aski Nation and the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation. 

The event will be livestreamed on the Nishnawbe Aski Nation Facebook page

For more information please contact:
Michael Heintzman,
Director of Communications
Cell: (807) 621-2790
mheintzman@nan.ca