Makwa Sahgaiehcan students produced a music video that focuses on Indigenous culture. (Submitted photo/Sheridan Longjohn)

By Elliott Knopp

Makwa Music

Makwa Sahgaiehcan First Nation School students produce Indigenous-focused music video

Apr 21, 2021 | 4:29 PM

(B.rose/YouTube)

A combination of passion and creativity has led to the production of a student-produced music video from learners at Makwa Sahgaiehcan First Nation School.

Students enrolled in the Native Studies 20 course were given an assignment to create a music video with a $25 budget that displays aspects of their Indigenous culture. The song “Came up from Nothing” performed by B.rose discusses overcoming adversity and coming out on top of life’s challenges. The video features images and video clips captured by each of the students in the class.

Educator Sheridan Longjohn says one of the most powerful aspects seen in the over three-minute music video is in the very beginning when one of the students, Brose Mitsuing, approaches an elder with an offering of tobacco.

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In the video, Mitsuing then asks the elder how to become more successful and what his approach to achieving success was. The elder responds in Cree before explaining in English that the key is believing in one’s self. The video immediately transitions into a compilation of shots and images featuring Mitsuing and other imagery associated with Indigenous life.

The budget was used to purchase an editing app to help complete the music video, but the software did not work to their liking and they completed the project using a free app. Longjohn stated while the video required months of production, recording and editing, the students were pleased with the video’s final result.

“It took us about four and a half months to get everything put together. Everybody had different phones with different clips, so putting it all together was kind of tough,” Longjohn added. “A little bit of a headache as putting together all of those scattered photos and stuff is a process in itself. It’s a very positive thing for the kids to be able to create their own music though.”

While the video was just released online yesterday, Longjohn mentioned he is already looking into assigning this project again in the future, adding he is looking at financial avenues to pursue to enhance the school’s current facilities.

“We’re actually applying for a music grant so we can have our own recording studio in the school. We have some contacts from other bands that have given us some advice on how to do the video as well. It was so much fun for the students and they really enjoyed themselves.”

Cheyenne Gervais, Sound Engineer, said the students let their creativity flow with the assignment, leading to the final product being well-received by those involved.

“Keep a look out for Brose Mitsuing from Makwa Sahgaiehcan and the students from Makwa Sahgaiehcan First Nation. There’s more to come from them. There is no doubt in my mind.”

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elliott.knopp@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @ElliottKnopp