Cree kids become recording artists talking about mental health, friendship and culture

A group of Cree youth from central Alberta are now recording artists sharing their views and experiences with the world. 

The group is called Nikamo, the Cree word for sing, and includes youth ages 10 to 14 from Kehewin Cree Nation, Goodfish Lake (within Whitefish Lake First Nation), Onion Lake Cree Nation, Cold Lake First Nations and Saddle Lake Cree Nation in central Alberta.

It is the result of a collaboration between Kehewin Native Dance Theatre and the non-profit Make Music Matter to support youth mental health through music.

Rosa John, artistic director for Kehewin Native Dance Theatre, said her group doesn't usually collaborate with non-Indigenous organizations, but she was excited by Make Music Matter's commitment to youth mental health.

According to John, the EP's title song Moments, which discusses loneliness, has become an anthem for the group. 

"The song came about because they had nobody to talk to. They had no place to go," she said. 

"Development of friendship was really something that stood out for all of them, because through the process they became friends."

Serena Dufresne said finding out her daughters, Kianna Dufresne, 11, and Ryder Dillon, 10,  would be recording an EP was a huge source of pride, especially considering all the people who would eventually listen to it. 

"At the beginning I didn't really believe [Ryder] that it was actually happening," Dufresne said with a laugh.

When it finally became real, she said it was a lot to take in. 

"I was beyond excited and I started crying," Dufresne said.

Kianna and Ryder say Moments is their favourite song, and Ryder calls it "a jam" that the whole family enjoys. 

"My mom blasts it in the car," Kianna said. 

Along with the rest of Nikamo, Akima Marshall got the chance to perform live in Calgary at the National Music Centre, which also supported the project.