Lesson One: Evan Redsky
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Lesson One: Evan Redsky
Activity: Storytelling Through Song
CURRICULUM
CONNECTIONS
Alberta, Northwest Territories and Nunavut:
•Aboriginal Studies Grades 10-12
•English Language Arts Grades 10-12
•English Language Arts Grades 10, 11, 12: Uqausiliriniq Strand
•General Music Grades 10-12:
British Columbia and Yukon:
•Contemporary Indigenous Studies Grade 12
•Contemporary Music Grades 10, 11, 12
•English Language Arts Composition Grades 10, 11, 12
•English Language Arts First Peoples Grade 12
Ontario:
•First Nations, Metis, and Inuit Studies Grades 9-12
•English Language Arts Grades 9-10
•English Language Arts Grades 11-12
•Music Grades 9-10
•Music Grade 11, University/College Preparation
•Music Grade 12, University/College Preparation
DURATION
2-3 hours
OVERVIEW
In this lesson, students will explore the topics of artistic expression, resilience, music, and
storytelling. Students will participate in a class poll where they will talk about their favour-
ite songs. Songs hold many meanings, themes, and stories within them. Oral tradition and
Storytelling was, and still is, the epitome of learning in all Indigenous cultures. In Red River
Metis and Anishinaabe culture, families pass down their histories, traditions, and experiences
through oral tradition. Oral tradition is an intergenerational transmission of knowledge, teach-
ings and spirituality. We suggest having an Elder or traditional knowledge keeper visit your
class to give a teaching on storytelling and oral tradition. Students will watch Evan Redsky's
interview with Fireside Chats. Evan Redsky is an Indigenous singer/songwriter with a love
of storytelling from a young age. Evan has been a musician for over a decade and recently
decided to work on a solo career. Students will create song lyrics that tell a short story. The
theme of their songs will reflect a time in their life they had to overcome an obstacle. This
activity is not a full introduction to songwriting. This activity will have students making connec-
tions between storytelling and music while conveying the theme of their song. Students will
create a song with 3 verses and a chorus. Songs must have flow and rhythm. Students will be
assessed by a writing assessment rubric.
MATERIALS
•Computer Access for each students
•"Storytelling Through Song" Handout
•"Writing Assessment" Rubric
•Writing Instruments (pencils, pens, etc) and Lined paper
Entertainment
