Local students learn more about residential schools from mock museum
To better understand residential schools, local teachers created a mock museum at John Paul II featuring primary sources to give students a better understanding of the stories and history of the time period.
Tracie Harty and Lindell Gateley came up with the idea after discussing how to include the book Secret Path by Gord Downey into their Grade 10 English Language Arts (ELA) Truth and Reconciliation Blended Learning Unit.
Gord Downie, better known as the lead singer of legendary Canadian rock band The Tragically Hip, wrote Secret Path as a series of poems inspired by the story of Chanie Wenjack, a 12-year-old boy who tried to flee an Ontario residential school in the 60s. Wenjack died on his 400-mile journey back home.
Both teachers decided for students to best understand the story, they would need background information on residential schools and the Indian Act.