People in Thunder Bay invited to watch premiere of Gord Downie's 'The Secret Path'

Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler and CBC Thunder Bay Executive Producer Michael Dick are inviting people from Thunder Bay and the surrounding area to watch CBC's premiere broadcast of Gord Downie's The Secret Pathat a free community event thisweekend.

"We are pleased to partner with CBC to present this opportunity for the entire community tocome together to watch this powerful film," Chief Fiddler announcedin a newsrelease Monday."We are inspired by Gord Downie's determination to share the story of Chanie 'Charlie' Wenjack and history of the Indian Residential School era, and we hope this will promote much-needed healing and reconciliation in the Thunder Bay community."

New music inspired by 12-year-old Ojibway boy who died fleeing residential school

It's hoped the screening willserve as an important reminder of our shared history, saidMichael Dick, CBC Thunder Bay's executive director.

"As a community it is my hope for us to unite and pay tribute to Gord Downie and his deep connection to Chanie Wenjack," Dick said.

The Secret Path broadcast will be held Sunday October 23 at the Thunder Bay CommunityAuditorium, 1 Paul Shaffer Drive, Thunder Bay. There is no charge for admission, butdonations to Shelter House Thunder Bay are welcomed and encouraged.

The event will begin with a symposium and light refreshments from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. followed by a traditional ceremony with drumming and prayers in honour of Chanie Wenjack, his family and Gord Downie from 8:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The Secret Path broadcast runs from 9:00 p.m.to 10:00 p.m.

Sunday's broadcast on CBC Television will follow performances by Gord Downie of his SecretPath album on October 18 in Ottawa and October 21 in Toronto. Members of Chanie's familywill attend both concerts and will be welcomed at the Thunder Bay event.

October marks the 50th anniversary of the death of Chanie Wenjack. The 12-year-old boydied on October 22, 1966 after running away fromCecilia Jeffrey Indian Residential School innorthwestern Ontario.

Travelling on foot in an attempt to make the 1,000-kilometre journey home to Ogoki Post, his body was found on October 23 along the railroad tracks, approximately 60 kilometres from the school near Kenora, Ontario.

The Secret Path is an animated film adaptation of Gord Downie's album and Jeff Lemire'sgraphic novel. Working with Downie's poetry and music, Lemire created a visual representation of the life of Chanie Wenjack.

The film is divided into ten chapters, eacha song from Downie's musical retelling of Chanie's story from his escape from theresidential school, to his subsequent death from hungerand exposure.

The final product is an immersive experience whichprovidesinsights into the life of a little boy who, as Gord has said, he never knew, "butwill always love," NAN stated in its release.

Launched in mid-October, The Gord Downie and Chanie Wenjack Fund is a catalyst to jumpstart reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Peoples, part of Gord Downie's legacy, commitment and recognition of the wounds that will take generations to heal, the NAN release said.

Please visit: downiewenjack.ca,andwww.secretpath.ca