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Bringing Music To The Kids Of Sheshatshiu
Mike has taken a very personal approach to the situation in Labrador. Mike's soul and spirit are driven by music. This is the spirit that he beleives can help to make a difference in lives. With a lot of determination, Mike has begun the process of bringing music to the kids who's stories have touched him so deeply. It all started with a promise to bring back harmonicas for the kids. He has since received countless donations from folks from all over, who had instruments they felt would make a difference too.
"During the military tour that took me from the north pole to Bosnia, I had an experience that changed my life. After dedicating "Amazing Grace" to the Innu kids I had seen on the news, who were addicted to sniffing gas, I got a chance to visit some of them."
Mike has now made several trips to isolated regions, bringing donated instruments in tote. He is working tirelessly, and has enlisted the help of others to put together a structured program that will allow these kids to explore their spirits, express themselves and perhaps, find some peace through music.
photo
by Ted Ostrowski
For a CBC story about this, visit Here then close the window to return to this page.
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Click
here to see footage of Mike playing for the kids, from his first
trip to Sheshatshiu. It is about a minute long, 2.5 Mb and requires
the Quicktime 5 player. A high speed internet connection is recommended.
If you need QT5, get it here.
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CBC Radio Interview
The beginning of the piece is the radio intro to the show. Fast forward to about 1min, 35 secs to get to the interview. Interview (We're not sure how long they keep this stuff archived, so forgive me if its no longer there. Please email Brian and let him know if this happens.)
More background on the story from CBC... Desperate Village. Close window to return to this page.
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Other Related Pages and Links...
The Music Man is an article written by Paul McKay of the Ottawa Citizen. It appeared in the Citizen in early January, 2002. Paul accompanied Mike and musical partner Raymond Maclain on a trip to Sheshatshui. It's worth the read.
For information on the ArtsCanCircle programs to bring musicians and artists together with "At Risk Native Youth" please contact info@artscancircle.ca or visit the website at www.artscancircle.ca