Amplify

After reading Robin Wall Kimmerer’s momentous book “Braiding Sweetgrass,” Métis/Cree songwriter Cheryl L'Hirondelle sets out to write a new song that considers how to exist in a cycle of reciprocity with the living universe.

In light of the warming winters in Haudenosaunee territory, Oneida songwriter Lacey Hill sets out to write a song that delves into the growing challenges of maintaining the tradition of Snow Snake competitions that her grandfather always won.

Cree/Dene songwriter Iskwe sets out to write a song in response to the loss of young Tina Fontaine in 2015 while Gitxsan professor/activist Dr. Cindy Blackstock weighs in on the colonial policies that have affected so many Indigenous children.

Mohawk songwriter Shawnee sets out to write a song that captures the awakening of her Two-Spirit identity as she builds a Two-Spirit sweat lodge with other community members. The ceremony is led by Ojibwe-Cree Elder and author Ma-Nee Chacaby.

Anishinaabe composer Melody McIvor looks to the power of water to inspire binnawe gizhigoon, her composition. The song uses the sounds from ice breaking during spring thaw to create an instrumental piece dedicated to the communities surrounding Sioux Lookout.

Oji-Cree songwriter Nick Sherman sets out to write a song about the challenges of living in a town steeped in anti-Indigenous racism and corruption. Mixing performance art and politics, we get to see Thunder Bay in a new light.