Sheshatshiu Youths Launch 'Free to Be' Music Video with N'we Jinan's Support

A group of talented teenagers from Sheshatshiu has poured their hearts and creativity into a new music video titled Free to Be. This artistic endeavor is a collaboration with N'we Jinan, a charitable organization dedicated to nurturing musical talent among Indigenous youths.

Empowerment Through Music

The students involved in this project hail from the Sheshatshiu Innu Nation and received assistance from N'we Jinan Creative Studios. The song Free to Be features original singing, dancing, and writing contributed by the students themselves, offering an expressive outlet and debuting their skills to the world.

One of the participating students, Terese Rich, has found solace in songwriting, using the opportunity to voice her personal experiences and concerns about the influence of drugs in her community. Terese, alongside her peers, aspires to inspire others through their artistic expressions and shared stories encapsulated within their music.

Bright Futures Ahead

Harper Gregoire, another young talent in the video, envisions a future in acting. The music video project has helped him conquer fears of public exposure and fostered a sense of confidence that he hopes will resonate with other youths in Sheshatshiu. After all, by showcasing local talent and creativity, these adolescents are becoming role models within their own community.

The debut of Free to Be was celebrated with a pizza party and private screening, where peers and community members expressed their support and admiration for this impactful work. The initiative reflects N'we Jinan's mission to empower Indigenous youth to share their artistic voices, which has been ongoing since 2014.

The experience has been transformative for the students, encouraging them not just in their current pursuits but also in envisioning future possibilities involving music and self-expression. For them and for many others, the project is not only about the final production but also about the journey of personal growth and cultural affirmation.

music, youth, empowerment