MAMU ENSEMBLE TOGETHER—implemented in Quebec, in the community of Mani-utenam on the North Shore of Quebec, and in the Mauricie region—focused on music as a tool for dialogue.
Thanks to funding from the Government of Canada and in partnership with Innu Takuaikan Uashat Mak Mani-Utenam, Pasa Musik, and over 15 other partners across the province, we were able to organize 16 days of activities and workshops distributed between Mani-utenam and Mauricie.
The project aimed to engage and build bridges between communities to promote multiculturalism and combat racism. The musicians participating in the project were:
- Shauit, a singer-songwriter originally from Mani-utenam
- Salif Sanou ‘Lasso’, also a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from Burkina Faso, and
- Saulo Olmedo Evans, a multi-instrumentalist and storyteller from Panama
To gain a concrete understanding of the project, one only needs to consider the unique therapeutic and emotional characteristics of music. Indeed, it has been demonstrated that music facilitates contact and interactions, and can also help people express themselves.
Thus, with this guiding principle, MAMU ENSEMBLE TOGETHER was developed to open dialogue with communities on themes such as:
- Does our culture determine our attitudes towards the other?
- Do you believe that music has an important role to play in relationships with others, and why?
- What are the effects and impacts of a musical project like MAMU ENSEMBLE TOGETHER in the communities visited?
This inclusive citizen project took into account everyone’s perspectives, helping to defuse prejudices and identify the common bonds that unite us all. We believe in the value of artistic and human capital and in the capacity of music as a tool for dialogue to facilitate conversation and have a significant impact in communities.
With our ambassador and local musician, Mishta-Shipu McKenzie, son of Mr. Philippe McKenzie, considered the father of modern Innu song, the musicians participated in activities with citizens, including music workshops in schools, round tables, and cultural and social events. These inclusive community activities inspired the artists in their creation.
In summary, MAMU ENSEMBLE TOGETHER was a great community adventure filled with hope, where everyone’s voice was heard.
PLEASE NOTE
The project, which began in March 2020 in Mani-utenam, had to be modified due to COVID-19. However, we were able to complete 7 of the 16 days planned in the program.
Despite our shortened stay, we were able to interact during family meetings with elders, participate in outdoor activities with community members, and conduct a music workshop in a school during cultural week.
In a very short time, the musicians collaborated on four musical pieces.
The project generated significant media interest, including a report by Radio-Canada’s Vues d’ici.
Musicians’ Biographies
Partners
- Government of Canada
- Innu-takuaikan Uashat mak Mani-utenam
- Pasa Musik
- MRC Mékinac
- Municipality of Saint-Adelphe
- Saint-Adelphe Recreation Center
- Tacos El Sombrero
- Municipality of Grandes-Piles
- Kapibouska Public Market
- AthinaDesign
- Slow Food Batiscan Valley
- Alpha Lira
- Shaputuan Museum
- North Shore Regional Museum
- Intercultural Friendship Association
- Trois-Rivières Native Friendship Centre
- EditingHugo
- Tam ti delam
- Batiscan Slope School
- Val Marie Private School
- Tshishteshinu School
- Camille-Marcoux School
- Johnny Pilot School
- Autrement d’ici
- Luc Laramée Space
- Mauricie Nature Garden
- Trois-Rivières Solidarity Committee
Quotes
Therefore, the aim is truly to blend cultures… to foster cultural mixing! To discover other music, other cultures, both human and musical.
Isabelle Désy, music teacher at Camille-Marcoux School
Music truly builds connections. It has no borders. We greatly appreciate this collaboration. I believe in the merit of this gathering of Indigenous and non-Indigenous musicians. This will foster the ongoing reconciliation process.
Kenny Regis, ITUM – Press conference on February 19, 2020
We have always wanted to build bridges. We have never given up. Racism is not a recent phenomenon. It stems from the fear of the other.
Lauréat Moreau, Coordinator, Shaputuan Museum – Press conference on February 19, 2020.
