Gord Downie brings message of reconciliation to We Day

Gord Downie stood before thousands of students gathered at We Day at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto on Tuesday for a multimedia performance of “The Stranger” from his new album “Secret Path.” The collection of tunes by the Tragically Hip frontman was inspired by the story of 12-year-old Chanie Wenjack, who died while fleeing the Cecilia Jeffrey Indian Residential School near Kenora. This weekend will mark the 50th anniversary of Chanie’s death. Downie’s latest solo project follows the announcement that he is battling terminal cancer. MTV will broadcast a We Day special on Nov. 28.