THUNDER BAY – Updated – Shy-Anne has released a new video. The new video is unlike anything she has done before. Her inspiration for the video comes from Elder Dave Courchene, or Nii Gaani Aki Inini from Turtle Lodge in Manitoba.

Elder Dave Courchene spoke in Ottawa as a part of Idle No More.

Elder Dave Courchene – We are Witnessing an Awakening

Dave Courchene – Nii Gaani Aki Innini (Leading Earth Man) has traveled internationally, carrying a message of hope and peace.  Dave shares ancient Indigenous knowledge that he believes can act as the foundation in supporting the New Life that Mother Earth is now entering, and that the Elders have confirmed has arrived. He has created a special place for sharing ancient Indigenous knowledge – the Turtle Lodge – built based on a vision he received many years ago.

Shy-Anne shares, “Dave inspired my song and video. His speech in Ottawa was so moving I asked him if I could change it to a song. He said of course. The video is very much symbolism from a world wide out look. I have ancient and current pics/symbols of unity, love, change, hope, strength from all over the world”.

“The music background is all indigenous instruments from all over the world put together as one in a pop/techno beat. (Latch Productions helped me pull it together). So you can hear chants, african drums, tokyo drums, Inuit throat singing, didgeridoo, Tibetan OM, Ojibwe jingles… etc.. Those tied with his speech and the imagery of the photos and symbols I think creates a very interesting message in a positive way”.

Speaking on Elder Dave Courchene, Shy-Anne states, “Dave is my mentor.. Dave is my hope for the future of the children. He was not given the spirit name ‘Leading Earth Man’ for no reason. The man creates shifting in everyone he meets. When I am around him, I can not sit still. He sends energy through me and I feel like a kid vibrating with energy and happiness. If even 10% of the world thought like him, we would have a much better world”.

Idle No More – A door opening

Shy-Anne has not taken her music into the political world. Her songs range between strong messages for youth, and strong messages of hope.

“Change the World” is a song where Shy-Anne’s words echoed across the region and were picked up by Lakehead University President Dr. Stevenson.

Shy-Anne – Changing the World

Shy-Anne comments, “With Idle No More. Dave says that the Idle No More movement is like a door opening for us to bring the message out that we have been trying to for years now. The message to get back to the land, to respect her, honour her.. by honouring the land, we are honouring our future generations. In this conservative government of Environmental rape and destruction, it is even more important for us to unite as human family to protect the Earth. Not just for the trees and animals, but for our very own existence”.

“I have made the video as universal as I can… I don’t want people to think this is just an “Idle No More” song, or just a “Native” thing.. this is an everyone, everything song. I love all the music coming out from the Idle No More movement, and I think it is great that all these voices are coming forward. We will be heard. I did want to come up with something that will move passed the movement though, and make it more global”.

Is it all about money? Not to Shy-anne. “Who knows. Songs almost never go big without lots of money, but I’m hoping that the spirit will help create the awareness. The song will be available for download soon, but all the proceeds will go back to the Turtle Lodge so that we can have our “Gathering of the Drums” event and so that Dave can continue with his speaking. I want to help. That being said, I’ve never made more then $200 on a single song.. ha ha.. but you never know…”

The download link, so you can support this talented Aboriginal artist is Shy-Anne CD Baby

James Murray