A video production company, in collaboration with the Mi’kmaq Native Friendship Centre in Halifax, is organizing an Aboriginal youth songwriters camp for the last weekend in September.
The company, Blue Dory Productions, will hold the camp at The Ovens Natural Park in Riverdale, N.S. September 25-27, 2015 for Aboriginal youth aged 16-25.
“I think there is some tremendous talent out there and it’s, there is not a great deal for them, to support them in what they are doing,” Yvonne Mosley, one of the organizers of the camp, said.
It is the first time such a camp is being held for Aboriginal youth involved in music, Mosley explained.
The Membertou-based drum group, the Sons of Membertou, will take part in the songwriting camp along with Mi’kmaq elder Jane Meader, Gerald Gloade, and Leonard Sumner from Winnipeg.
Participants will also get a chance to work with composer David Findlay, percussionist Cheryl Prashker, and Stuart and Lucy MacNeil from the Cape Breton-based group, the Barra MacNeils, who will help them write original music during the three-day camp.
“It’s a time for crossover and it’s a time of truth and reconciliation,” Mosley said. “It’s just another way of understanding each other, in terms of music, storytelling, traditions and culture.”
Youth who participate will get a chance to perform any music they create on the final day of the camp, Mosley added.
Aboriginal youth in Nova Scotia who are interested in taking part in this songwriting camp are encouraged to send an email to aboriginalsongwriterscamp2015@gmail.com as soon as possible. Mosley says the email should include a letter outlining their interest in music and songwriting and their current involvement in music in general.
