The Battleford Agency Tribal Council (BATC) held a round dance on Friday at the Don Ross Centre in alignment with the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation on Monday. (Kenneth Cheung/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Kenneth Cheung

HEALING VOICES

‘It’s like light in my chest’: Indigenous singing brings youth together

Sep 30, 2024 | 10:54 AM

Traditional Indigenous rhythms echoed through the roof of Don Ross Centre on Friday night as First Nation community members gathered to embrace the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

Through each resonant beat of the Hand drums, Redsky Trottier sought not just to sing but to heal.

“It is like light in my chest and my mind; weights are lifted off, and It makes me feel lighter whenever I am feeling anger or sadness inside,” said Trottier.

“I just think of happiness, joy, love and connection.”

Redsky Trottier has started singing since 16 years old. He believes singing helps him heal. (Kenneth Cheung/battlefordsNOW Staff)

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Trottier, 31, has been an Indigenous singer since he was 16. He recalls being inspired by watching his uncles and brothers perform on stage, which ignited his passion for singing.

“I really enjoyed watching them. They were really good singers, and I would go on YouTube each time I practised by singing their songs,” he shared.

He said that singing is not only a form of expression but also a means for Indigenous youth to reconnect with the Cree language and their cultural heritage.

“That’s our only way to be connected to our culture for us younger generation, because it’s hard for us to learn how to speak our language, but it’s easy for us to learn our songs.”

Trottier sings during one of the round dance section. (Kenneth Cheung/battlefordsNOW Staff)

Singing serves as a bridge for Indigenous youth, connecting their modern lives with their traditional roots. Stacey Thunderchild also believes it provides relief and solace during tough times.

“When you sing, it takes you to another place,” Thunderchild said.

She reflected on a time when she wasn’t living a sober lifestyle. Her grandparents encouraged her to dance on the powwow dancing ground and to keep singing, igniting a deep devotion to the healing power of music, she believes.

Stacey Thunderchild was raised in a traditional powwow circle family and said the power of singing keeps her grounded. (Kenneth Cheung/battlefordsNOW Staff)

“I’m just super proud when I sing for having the gift of singing and for being able to express myself while I’m singing,” she said. “It keeps me grounded.”

Thunderchild has been on a healing journey for almost two years.

She is optimistic that the younger generation will not fall into the trap of substance abuse, as she has observed more young people embracing the culture with their hearts and minds imbibed.

“When you feel the drum, when you hear the singers sing, you just feel it’s healing,” she said.

Thunderchild sings along her family and friends during a round dance section. (Kenneth Cheung/battlefordsNOW Staff)

Thunderchild also pointed out that non-indigenous people who are unsure about how to approach First Nation members, especially elders, could always offer tobacco when introducing themselves as a sign of respect.

“Don’t be shy to ask questions because a lot of people are shy and don’t do it, and then that’s when they’re pointed, right and wrong, right?” she explained.

Trottier and Thunderchild agree that singing plays an important role in embracing a sense of belonging and preserving heritage. Trottier also believes that if people want to be good singers, they should never let criticism dim their passion.

“Don’t ever let anyone make you feel like you’re a bad singer, or because those good singers you see out there, we’re at your place at one point, wanting to learn, wanting to know how and it will come naturally,” he said.

The Battlefords Agency Tribal Council (BATC) held on Friday in alignment with the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation on Sept. 30. On that day, BATC will hold the 12th annual Battleford Industrial School Walk at the Ridge to commemorate the residential school’s history.

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Kenneth.Cheung@pattisonmedia.com