Tragically Hip frontman Gord Downie is set to perform two shows in support of a new album and graphic novel devoted to the true story of an indigenous boy who died while trying to run away from a residential school.
The shows will take place at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa on Oct. 18, and at Roy Thomson Hall in Toronto on Oct. 21.
Downie’s “Secret Path” project, including an album and graphic novel, will be released Oct. 18, to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the death of Chanie Wenjack.
The indigenous boy died in 1966, while trying to walk the 600 kilometres from his residential school back to his home on the Marten Falls First Nation near Thunder Bay, Ont. Downie wrote that Wenjack’s story moved him deeply.
Downie first wrote Secret Path as 10 poems, which he then recorded as songs in November and December, 2013.
Downie, who is battling brain cancer, is also planning to release an 88-page graphic novel illustrated by Jeff Lemire.
“Secret Path” will be available as a deluxe vinyl and book edition, and as a book with album download.
All proceeds from the shows are being donated to reconciliation efforts.
