#1 Wenjack by Joseph Boyden

#1 Wenjack by Joseph Boyden

Given the news coverage in Canada of the residential schools, dear reader, I was eager to read this book and perhaps gain a little insight from a different perspective other than that of the media.  Although this book does not delve deeply into the experiences had within the walls of these institutions, it does allude to the atrocities that occurred in these schools since they were established in the 1870’s until the last school was finally closed in 1996.  I must say that after learning the last of these schools was shut down so recently, I was shocked and ashamed of my own ignorance. 

Wenjack is the story of Charlie who escapes the confines of a residential school and tries to make his way home to his families.  It follows his journey, along with two brothers,  through the harsh Canadian wilderness as the seasons evaporate from fall to winter and we are shown how unprepared the boys are when the wind blows and night falls.  Travelling with them on their journey are several spirits of the forest who tell us Charlie’s tale through their eyes. We meet a sucker fish, a crow, a beaver, and a snow goose among other animals and spirits that follow the boys on their journey, encouraging them, sometimes taunting them all the while knowing the boys fate before they do. 

Although this is a sad story, it is written with such simple language, gracefully capturing Charlie’s thoughts as he has them and richly describing his experience on the long journey home. During his travels, Charlie shares with us his sadness at leaving his family, his determination to remember his language and we are given a brief but clear glimpse into his life at school and the pain and humiliation he endured there. He goes on to say… “One day I will run.  One day they won’t hurt me anymore.” And it is through this simple statement that we come to understand his determination to escape no matter the cost. 

The author’s note at the end of the story is also a must-read.  It not only describes the origins of the story (which is based on the real-life story of Chanie “Charlie” Wenjack) but also highlights one of the longest and darkest periods in Canada’s history.   The author goes on to say that it was the events of this boys’ story that led to the first inquiry of residential schools and set in motion their abolishment. We, as a country must now reconcile our grave mistake and try to make amends to the families who were violated. Until next time…have you read a book today?

Julie