Perspective: Gord Downie’s ‘Secret Path’ could Become Part of Canada’s Elementary School Curriculum

http://exclaim.ca/music/article/gord_downies_secret_path_could_become_part_of_canadas_elementary_school_curriculum

Commentary

The Secet Path exposes the not so pleasant underbelly of the way certain programmes like the residential school system in Canada ruined many lives … not only emotionally and culturally but led to premature deaths ..  even suicide. Many First Nation people were victims of cultural genocide due to the negative impact of an ill conceived residential school system.

This harsh system that uprooted and separated siblings has left irreparable scars.
On the positive side it could have saved many young impressionable lives from ruin by exposing them to new experiences … removing some certainly from drug addiction and poor living conditions.

It is no secret that in too many First Nation reserves the life expectancy from unhealthy lifestyles and poor dieting is endemic.
We hope through openness and dialogue past hurts and scars resulting from residential schools will be repaired.

It is a great move that school children will be able to study this system through their curriculum.

It is a matter pregnant for study and in-depth attention. The verdict is yours as usual. Send us your feedback at Vision.

Hopeton O’Connor-Dennie is Senior International Correspondent & Photojournalist for Vision Newspaper Canada.