On an overcast and rainy day, students in Ms. Nina Hollington's Grade 9 band participated in the Walk for Wenjack, walking through the school community to honour the legacy of Chanie Wenjack. The walk coincides with Secret Path Week (October 17–22), a national movement commemorating the 36-hour journey Chanie Wenjack endured while attempting to escape the Cecilia Jeffrey Residential School in Kenora, Ontario, to return home. Tragically, he died from exposure at only 12 years old.
After completing the walk, students reflected on the harsh conditions Chanie faced and committed to deepening their understanding of the legacy of residential schools.
October 17 and October 22 mark the anniversaries of the deaths of Gord Downie and Chanie Wenjack, respectively. Gord Downie, lead singer of the Canadian band The Tragically Hip, played a pivotal role in bringing Chanie Wenjack's story to public attention in Canada.
