Song as Intent – Indigenous Workshop with Kelly Laurila

The Kodály Society of Ontario presents Song as intent and impact in the ethical space of engagement with Kelly Laurila.

Even good intentions can harm. Most people do not set out to do harm to others, but in their intentions to help, the impact can be harm from not knowing what they do not know. Despite hearing about Indigenous peoples through education and media most people do not really know Indigenous peoples. This is an intentional Settler narrative that will be illuminated in this workshop through discussions of the historical, social, economic, and political contexts that have significantly contributed to past and present injustices experienced by Indigenous peoples in Canada. In the context of reconciliation, this foundational knowledge will serve as context to inform what constitutes ethical leadership in music. Opportunity will be provided to participate in singing, drumming, and learning specific Indigenous (e.g., Haudenosaunee, Anishinaabe and Mi’kmaw) songs, meanings, and their origins. Space will be made to discuss such topics as appropriation, permissions, case examples, protocols and necessary dialogues in music collaborations. A reflection to be contemplated during this interactive workshop is what ethical engagement with Indigenous songs in mainstream classroom curriculum looks like, feels like, and sounds like?

Dr. Kelly Laurila is an Indigenous Sámi and Irishwoman with close to 30 years of Anishinaabe knowledges and experiences; song carrier of an Indigenous women and girls’ drum circle in community and in a federal penitentiary; social worker, and post-secondary educator. She is also an advocate for ideological and social policy change pertaining to systemic social and justice practices impacting Indigenous peoples. Dialogue, decolonization, and movement towards action is at the forefront of her work with reconciliation initiatives.

Download the event flyer here (PDF)

Dr. Kelly Laurila is presenting to the Kodály Certification Program at the Don Wright Faculty of Music, Western University. All interested persons are welcome to attend the day-long session, free of charge. Free advance registration is required; please click HERE to register. (People already enrolled in the two-week Kodály Certification Program do not need to register.)

Thank you to the Kodály Society of Ontario for sponsoring this event.