The film is a powerful visual representation of the life of Chanie Wenjack

April 10, 2019: The Museum of disABILITY History Film and Speaker Series will present Secret Path on Friday, May 3, with two showings at 3:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. at the Museum of disABILITY History, 3826 Main Street, Buffalo, NY. A reception with refreshments and speakers will be at 5 p.m. Admission is free. 

Secret Path is comprised of ten poems inspired by the story of Chanie Wenjack, a twelve-year-old boy who ran away from Cecilia Residential School in Kenora, Ontario, in an attempt to get to his family, nearly 400 miles away.

The lead singer of the band Tragically Hip, Gord Downie, along with comic artist, Jeff Lemire, helped bring Secret Path and its message to so many across the world through their beautiful and heartbreaking music. 

The event’s reception will include a question and answer session with two speakers, John Volpe and Michael Bastine, as they will discuss their community connection to Secret Path. Volpe is an Algonquin Elder, Healer, Protector of Wildlife, and an environmental activist. For many years, he has conducted independent scientific studies and reports on turtles and fish. He has given numerous talks in local communities and high schools and has been a consultant to environmental organizations. Bastine is an Algonquin healer, elder, and former student of famous Tuscarora medicine man Wallace “Mad Bear” Anderson and Tuscarora healer Ted Williams.

This film has been spread all over the world so that disability history will not be forgotten. The film may contain mature subject matter. Viewer discretion is advised. While the film is animated, it deals directly with the abuses of facilities like this.

Refreshments available. Although the event is free, registration is recommended. To register or for more information, email Alex Jusko at ajusko@people-inc.org or call 716-629-3626.

Established in 1998, the Museum of disABILITY History, a project of People Inc., is the only one of its kind in the United States and is dedicated to advancing the understanding, acceptance and independence of people with disabilities. Located in Buffalo, NY, the Museum’s exhibits, collections, publications, archives and educational programs create awareness and a platform for dialogue and discovery.