Free film screening of Gord Downie’s The Secret Path set for Sept. 30

FERGUS – In honour of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, or Orange Shirt Day, the Township of Centre Wellington is collaborating with Dalton Associates to offer a free public screening of The Secret Path.

The screening will take place from 7 to 9pm at the Fergus Grand Theatre.

It will feature special guests Leo Atlookan of Eabametoong First Nation and Dr. Robert Rovson, Lakehead University professor emeritus at the department of Indigenous learning and member of the Centre Wellington diversity, equity and inclusion advisory committee.

The Secret Path is an animated film based on Gord Downie’s album and Jeff Lemire’s graphic novel.

It tells the story of Chanie Wenjack, a young Anishinaabe boy who tragically lost his life while escaping a residential school in 1966.

“Through Downie’s poetry and music, and Lemire’s powerful illustrations, the film brings to light the painful legacy of Canada’s residential school system,” officials state.

To register visit culturedays.ca/en/events/8fc351e3-284c-4e24-9ec5-d5bcdbabab9e.