Chanie Wenjack was just an infant when he got everything taken away from him.

How they portray the medium of the message?

In an interview on CBC: A panelist by the name of Ryan speaks upon how residential schools destroyed relationships; he says: the relationship of the family is broken, the bond between family is really when it comes to writing panels, etc.
The medium of this story's message greatly affects Indigenous families with young kids and residential school survivors. The medium is portrayed by a young boy walking near a train track in the cold - with barely any clothing and food.

The medium is very important in these sensitive short film as it foreshadows the mood/ theme of the video. For example, if you are trying to portray a funny and happy message you would start off with happy and silly animation/ music.

In this case, the message they are trying to portray is a depressing topic. Going with sad music and animations would be the correct way to expand the meaning of the message.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=3668&v=yGd764YU9yc&feature=emb_title

Thesis: How codes, conventions is greatly involved on determining the mood/theme of  story.

How does medium sway the message of the story

Using codes, conventions, imagery, it controls a perfect scenario in where the mood of the story can be swayed. for example, using conventions, as it represents the memories Chanie was reminiscing about when he decided to leave the residential school and run home. It sways the message greatly, through the music and animations as it shows a sense of lost hope for this child - being alone and far away from anybody.

http://www.anishinabek.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/An-Overview-of-the-IRS-System-Booklet.pdf  

Codes and Convention

Codes

: The animation shows an overwhelming effect of residential schools on young Indigenous kids. Being taken from everything they have ever learned and expected them to be 'regular society'. Another example of a convention is when they a close up view of Chanie shoes as it shows his current state; cold and hungry.

Convention
: The way the images were used, for example, Chanie was running home, a thought bubble appeared and it shows his family living happily as well as going fishing with his father. It's a dream but it changes the mood/ theme of the message the video is trying to portray the awful memories the schools have caused indigenous children.

Gord Downie's the secret path. 12 Oct. 2016, www.cbc.ca/arts/secretpath/gord-downie-s-secret-path-airs-on-cbc-october-23-1.3802197.