File:The Song My Paddle Sings - video 640x480 MP4

Description
"The Song my Paddle Sings" is an original song with text adapted from the lyrical poem by Emily Pauline Johnson, who was the first Aboriginal poet to be published in Canada during the 19th Century. The music and chorus lyrics were composed through a collaborative effort between several staff and students from Our Lady Of Lourdes Catholic Elementary School, under the umbrella of The Hamilton Wentworth Catholic District School Board. Through a Canadian Leadership program called "The Learning Partnership" (Entrepreneurial Adventure), students were led through a business model process of forming a company and creating and selling a product with profits generated going towards a non-profit organization. The students who took part in this school initiative created the company name "W3", which stands for Water is Power, Water Is Beauty, Water Is Life. "W3" then came up with the idea of creating an original song addressing water challenges empowered by Indigenous prayer through spoken word. It took a "village" to make our vision a reality and we are grateful to spread our message.

Vocal recordings and this beautiful video was created by Mr. John Mamone. Music was performed and recorded by Mr. Kevin Camilleri. Vocals were sung by The Our Lady Of Lourdes Star Chords Choir under the direction of Mrs. Rosa Polinkas, Mrs. Rosemary Gratta and Mr. Camilleri. And last but of course not least, we are hounored to have Mr. Rod Nettagog recite the prayers and play Native Drum on this recording and video. Mr. Nettagog is an Anishnabe from Henvey Inlet First Nation located 50 kilometers north of Parry Sound by the French River. He is of the Bear Clan and his spirit name is Bluestonecloud.

For more information on this project, please visit www.thepaddlesong.ca