We recommend inviting an Indigenous community member into the learning environment to share water songs with students. Community members may also feel comfortable discussing the holistic nature of water songs and their spiritual connection.
Instructions:
- Teachers play segment from the ten-minute video accompanying the Water Bundle depicting Anishinaabe Knowledge Keepers Shirley Williams and Liz Osawamick sharing an Anishinaabe Water Song.
- Students listen to other water songs
- Anishinaabe: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3yHiJqZXFc More info: http://www.motherearthwaterwalk.com/?attachment_id=2244
- Haudenosaunee: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9MvNaFWcQf4
- Teacher leads a discussion with students regarding the message embedded in the songs and its power to impact change.
- Students reflect on other songs they know of that are about social issues and have the power to evoke social change. Students reflect on how these songs influence how they think or feel about an issue.
Optional Extension:
Through independent research students learn about the history and impact of protest music. Students choose an issue they care about and write their own song intended to raise awareness.
