A young First Nation group which performs energetic dance routines combined with speaking presentations between songs, performed for an audience at Kamsack Comprehensive Institute (KCI).
On February 7 the Brotherhood First Nation (FN) Hip Hop group of St. Theresa Point, a fly-in reserve in Northern Manitoba with a population of around 4,000, presented a powerful message to those in attendance.
Solomon Harper, Logan Mason, Jarrett Monais, Joshua Wood, Zareck Mason, Sonny Mason and Teagan Mason, ranging in age from 16 to 18, began a dance group on their remote northern reserve in 2015.
They chose Hip Hop music and choreographed all of their own moves. When they first began performing they 鈥渄idn鈥檛 make a big impression,鈥� but they were enjoying what they did, and soon began to incorporate messages into their routine.
鈥淲e felt we needed a purpose,鈥� said Harper, the group鈥檚 frontman. 鈥淲e started to include a message to raise awareness about issues like bullying, suicide and drug and alcohol abuse.
鈥淲e were very impacted by a family friend who committed suicide. We knew we had to use our performances to show others that you are loved, that people care for you, that you are never alone and there is always someone to reach out to.
鈥淣o one can take that from you,鈥� Harper said emphatically. 鈥淟earn to love yourself.鈥�
He encouraged people to 鈥減ut you fear aside鈥� and reach out to someone and talk about problems and not keep emotions bottled up inside.
Their song One More Light was a message to let the audience know there is always help to be had. 鈥淒on鈥檛 turn to alcohol or drugs,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t may dull the pain for a bit, but the problems stay. I urge you to get help. You are loved.鈥�
The high energy performance left the members of the group almost breathless between songs, but the young men were determined to speak their message, and between long-drawn breaths, continued to keep the dialogue going with their audience.
The very personable and sincere connection which the group established early on with the audience had the crowd 鈥渕aking some noise鈥� in appreciation.
The group is beginning to be noticed for their YouTube videos, some of which have gone viral. This was their first performance in Saskatchewan, arranged by Jamie Desjarlais, outreach worker at Cote FN Health, together with Rayne Townsend, Indigenous student achievement coach at KCI. Most of their performances have been in Ontario, Manitoba and Alberta.
Harper said they have been winning competitions, but they feel their message is the most important part of their performances.
The youngsters all attend high school in Winnipeg.
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