"I heard Gord Downie that night in Kingston and with you honouring him here today, I know you heard him too," Trudeau said.ĭownie embodies the desire of all Canadians for reconciliation, he added. The greatest day of all our lives."ĭownie advanced reconciliation by many years through simple and elegant words, Trudeau said, citing the final Tragically Hip show in Kingston, Ont., where Downie highlighted the struggles among Canada's indigenous people. "We must walk down a path of reconciliation from now on. It means we must become one," Downie said, at times sounding short of breath. "It will take 150 years, or seven generations, to heal the wound of the residential school, to become a country that can truly call ourselves Canada. In brief remarks, a visibly moved Downie acknowledged Canada's 150th anniversary celebrations next year, expressing the hope that the next 150 years will be better for all indigenous Canadians. He was anointed the "Man Who Walks Among the Stars." Proceeds from the album and graphic novel are being donated to the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation at the University of Manitoba.ĭuring a solemn and touching ceremony, Downie was given an eagle feather and swaddled in a star blanket, and also showered in indigenous gifts such as moccasins and blankets. Trudeau, who has long championed a new relationship with Aboriginal Peoples, was there to unveil plans for an Indigenous Languages Act in hopes of preserving and revitalizing First Nations, Metis and Inuit languages in Canada.ĭownie's "Secret Path" solo project honours 12-year-old Chanie Wenjack, who died in 1966 after running away from a residential school near Kenora, Ont. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stood nearby and watched as Downie, who has been diagnosed with a rare and incurable form of brain cancer, was honoured in a ceremony during the Assembly of First Nations special assembly in Gatineau, Que. A frail-looking Gord Downie wept openly, wiping tears from his eyes, as indigenous leaders paid tribute to the ailing Tragically Hip frontman Tuesday for his efforts in forcing Canada to confront the legacy of residential schools. “Gord did not rest from working for the issues he cared about, and his commitment and passion will continue to motivate Canadians for years to come.GATINEAU, Que. “For his work raising awareness of Indigenous issues, he was inducted as a member of the Order of Canada in 2017.” “Before passing, he shined his light on the story of 12-year-old Chanie Wenjack who died from hunger and exposure after trying to find his way home from a residential school,” he continued. “In the wake of his diagnosis, Gord only fought harder for what he believed in: social justice, environmentalism, and reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples,” the P.M. Trudeau, 45, also noted the bevy of advocacy work Downie did following his diagnosis. Our identity and culture are richer because of his music, which was always raw and honest – like Gord himself.” When he spoke, he gave us goosebumps and made us proud to be Canadian. “He painted landscapes with his words, elevating Canadian geography, historical figures, and myths. “Gord’s command of language was profound,” Trudeau continued.
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