"Máhsi ts'enįwę" - Oak Creek Public School (Primary Choir)

Our Primary choir, comprising grades 1 to 3, embarked on a meaningful journey by choosing the
Indigenous language's song "Mahsi ts'enjwe" by Leela Gilday for the CBC Music Challenge.
This poignant selection goes beyond the musical realm, delving into the cultural richness and
historical significance of the Dene people.
Our students learned about the song "Mahsi ts'enjwe" by Leela Gilday and how it conveys a
powerful message rooted in the history of the Dene people, who have historically inhabited
central and northwestern Canada in a region known as Denendeh.
In exploring the significance of the song, our students engaged in thoughtful conversations,
providing insights into the importance of languages. They reflected on the diversity of home
languages within our school community and shared the joy of learning Dene Kede, the language
featured in the song. The exploration extended to understanding why it is crucial for Indigenous
people to learn and preserve their languages, recognizing the profound connection between
language and cultural identity.
To enhance the visual representation of the song's themes, students poured their creativity into
crafting props that reflect the lyrics. Handkerchiefs and a buffalo skin drum were carefully
chosen to illustrate the essence of the song, adding a tactile and visual dimension to their
performance. These props will accompany the Primary choir when they take the stage at the
CBC Music Challenge Showcase in December at our school, providing the audience with a
deeper understanding of the cultural significance woven into the lyrics of "Mahsi ts'enjwe." The
palpable excitement among students underscores the transformative power of this experience
for young minds, and we express our sincere gratitude to CBC for orchestrating this challenge,
fostering meaningful musical connections across the nation.
For more information about the Canadian Music Class Challenge please visit: cbcmusic.ca/mus...