Student project leads to Wenjack recognition
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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 10/03/2025 (192 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
Brandon University history student Paige Meikle’s research project has led to the Government of Canada recognizing Chanie Wenjack as a person of national historic significance.
Wenjack, an Anishinaabe boy from Marten Falls First Nation in northern Ontario, attended the Cecilia Jeffrey Indian Residential School near Kenora, Ont. His tragic story, marked by his escape from the institution and his subsequent death, symbolizes the experiences of many Indigenous children who suffered under the residential school system.
Meikle identified Wenjack as a deserving figure for national recognition as part of a class project assigned by Rhonda Hinther. The assignment, from the course Canada: World War II to the Present, required students to research and nominate a person, place or event of national historic significance.
Paige Meikle
“Throughout history, the names of countless Residential School victims were erased alongside their culture and identity,” Meikle said. “While Chanie Wenjack’s story is one among many, his name endures, standing as a poignant reminder of the innumerable children whose names and experiences remain lost to time.”
This marks the third successful nomination from one of Hinther’s students. Previous student projects led to the national recognition of Indigenous veteran Tommy Prince in 2019 and the invention of Tackaberry skates in Brandon in 2022.
Hinther said she is pleased that a student’s class project to nominate a person, place, or event of national historic significance has led to Wenjack’s designation.
“His story powerfully demonstrates the deep harms caused by Canada’s residential schools’ system, and his designation is an important step in helping to advance reconciliation efforts,” Hinther said.
Meikle expressed gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to public history and reflect on the impact of Indigenous history in Canada.
“As we all navigate our journey towards truth and reconciliation, I am grateful that this nomination has been recognized and helps to shine a light on Chanie’s legacy to inspire and educate,” Meikle said.
The designation was formally announced by Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault, who oversees Parks Canada. Wenjack was one of 10 new designations under Parks Canada’s National Program of Historical Commemoration, which recognizes key figures, places and events that have shaped Canada’s history.
» The Brandon Sun