Charlie Wenjack’s story is not unique.
Late Tragically Hip frontman Gord Downie popularized Wenjack’s flight from a residential school in the movie, The Secret Path- but there are near-identical stories elsewhere, including the saga of Joey Commanda of the Pikwakanagan Anishnabai.
CityNews recently shared his story.
The 13 year-old died after running away from a residential school in Brantford back in 1968, but a memorial walk will pay his memory tribute this coming August.
Commanda and his brother Rocky ran away from the Mohawk institute (dubbed the “Mushhole” by survivors), but separated to avoid detection.
Joey was hit by a train and died. Rocky was apprehended and jailed.
It’s the family’s idea to hold the walk from Brantford to Oakville, the site of Joey’s demise, from August 27-29th.
An advance team consisting of Budgie Nadeau (Joey’s sister) and her spouse are planning to map out a route for the walk- with much still depending on whether busses will be allowed to transport elders who may wish to make the journey- or whether, because of COVID, cars will be required.
