Indigenous youth express themselves musically and creatively under the guidance of professional music producers, learning song recording, sound mixing, beat making, and music video production.
The N’we Jinan Mobile Music Production Studio offers youth the chance to collaborate with professional musicians and producers to learn the process and vocabulary of sound recording as well as songwriting and performance. In a safe environment with professional musicians, participants record original music and create music videos that are then shared with their communities and beyond.
Youth explore themes of cultural identity, language, struggle, love, and self-acceptance through their individual and collective voice. Tools of transformative, creative communication offer youth validation and platforms through which they can share with and connect to their communities.
To date, more than 500 Indigenous youth have participated across 40 communities, resulting in 80 songs and videos that have been viewed more than 15 million times online.
For more details on N’we Jinan programs and initiatives, please visit www.nwejinan.com
Grassy Narrows First Nation
An honest glimpse into a community stripped of clean drinking water and continuous battle against deforestation. The words, the voices and the faces tell a story of hope as the people of Grassy Narrows First Nation look towards a better future.
Credits: Sharice Bruce, Dylan Fobister, Jimi Fobister, Preston Paul, Darwin Fobister, Janessa Kejick, Damien Kejick, Ashley Fobister, Linda Fobister, Paul Cedric Oteskan, Edmond Jack & Josh Bigblood.
Lac La Croix First Nation
“Firemakers” is a music video created by the Anishnaabe youth of Lac La Croix First Nation in Ontario. This is a call out song that describes the current state of reservations and the changes that the youth wish to see! The song is exploding in the digital world, come and see why!
Credits: Kierra Boshey, Kiera Ottertail, Kyson King, Anthony Boshey, Kaelyn Walton, Madison Ottertail, Ian Geyshick, Taison Geyshick, Reo Walton, Cylie King, Shantay Menson & Rija Deschamps & Shane Menson.
Tl’azt’en Nation
A heavy hip-hop song packed with a powerful message that aims to destroy stereotypes and misconceptions about the Indigenous youth of Tachie of the Tl’azt’en Nation. “WHY US” is a common term used in this community and serves as an important question about the future. There is strength found within the youth.
Credits: Tianna Joseph, Jaydeen Felix, Tre Felix, Landon Joseph-Millard, Devaun Anatole, Scott Hanson, Jenna Felix, Matthew Monk, Keeley Tom & Mariah Aslin.
Surrey, British Columbia
We need to listen closely to the young generation of Indigenous learners. This group of elementary school students from the Surrey School District Board want to learn about their culture, they want to hear the stories, they want to be shown they way. Lend them your ears and hear what they have to say!
Credits: Rachel, Justice, Lindsey, Kalo, Nick, Antonio, Dimitri, Hannah, Je’sus, Kyra, Kegan, Morgan & Ocean.