Aani Everyone!
Welcome to this resource for Indigenous music. My name is Sabrina Clark, the creator of this website. A bit of information about me, I am Italian, French Canadian, Irish, Scottish and part Métis. I embarked on this journey of learning about Indigenous culture, music, ways of knowing, being and spirituality for almost 3 years or so now and I am currently finishing my Masters in Music Education. The cultural engagement project is an assignment that I was given as part of the Kodály Level II course that I am currently studying.
Before reading onto the other tabs, I would like to discuss a few things:
First, I would like to make it known that I do not claim to be an expert on the topic of Indigenous music, culture, ways of knowing, ways of being and Indigenous spirituality, I am still learning, and I hope to continue participating in Indigenous culture for years to come.
This website that I have created is about the teachings that I received and my personal experiences with Indigenous culture, ways of knowing, ways of being and spirituality.
There are a few things that I feel is of extreme importance for you to know as an educator, if you are serious about incorporating Indigenous culture, spirituality, ways of knowing, ways of being and music in lessons.
Here they are:
Also, please don't forget to check out the CONTACT section of the website if you would like to share any questions, comments or resources or anything else with me.
Miigwetch
Sabrina Clark
Welcome to this resource for Indigenous music. My name is Sabrina Clark, the creator of this website. A bit of information about me, I am Italian, French Canadian, Irish, Scottish and part Métis. I embarked on this journey of learning about Indigenous culture, music, ways of knowing, being and spirituality for almost 3 years or so now and I am currently finishing my Masters in Music Education. The cultural engagement project is an assignment that I was given as part of the Kodály Level II course that I am currently studying.
Before reading onto the other tabs, I would like to discuss a few things:
First, I would like to make it known that I do not claim to be an expert on the topic of Indigenous music, culture, ways of knowing, ways of being and Indigenous spirituality, I am still learning, and I hope to continue participating in Indigenous culture for years to come.
This website that I have created is about the teachings that I received and my personal experiences with Indigenous culture, ways of knowing, ways of being and spirituality.
There are a few things that I feel is of extreme importance for you to know as an educator, if you are serious about incorporating Indigenous culture, spirituality, ways of knowing, ways of being and music in lessons.
Here they are:
- Always ask questions, never assume;
- Listen often, find someone who can teach you;
- Indigenous music is always practiced in a circle;
- In the circle, everyone is equal, no one is better than the other, and no one is worse than the other;
- Remember the tobacco protocol when inviting Indigenous Elders, Songkeepers, Drumkeepers and Indigenous Helpers into your classroom;
- Remember to offer a gift to the Indigenous teacher for their time and teachings;
- Invite an Indigenous Elder, Songkeeper, Drumkeeper or Indigenous Helper into your classroom to offer a teaching on the Indigenous song you would like to sing with your students;
- Indigenous people are the experts of their culture, music, spirituality, ways of knowing and ways of being;
- Participate in Indigenous culture, music, spirituality, ways of knowing and ways of being;
- Join an Indigenous drumming circle, men's or women's circle;
- Go to a powwow or round dance;
- Make connections within the Indigenous community;
- Practice prayer, if you can pray than you can sing;
- Always remember Indigenous music is passed on orally it is an oral history, the practice of singing, drumming, gathering in circle, engaging in Indigenous music was done in secret, it's because of the oral tradition that Indigenous music and the practice of drumming circles survived to the this day;
- In Indigenous culture there are several different types of songs, it is best to ask an Indigenous Elder, Songkeeper, Drumkeeper or Helper about the song type and if it is appropriate to sing in the classroom.
- Take a course in Indigenous Studies at a local university.
- Please read the Indigenous Arts Protocols, this document describes the "Indigenous arts protocols [which] vary from nation to nation. They are based on principles of responsibility and guide artistic practices to ensure respect for Indigenous Peoples and their knowledges."
- Read the following document and video, it describes the protocols for producing Indigenous Australian music. Much of the information and protocols outlined can most certainly be applied to Indigenous Music in Canada.
Also, please don't forget to check out the CONTACT section of the website if you would like to share any questions, comments or resources or anything else with me.
Miigwetch
Sabrina Clark