Student video an example of how to make a difference: Sutherland

Adrian Sutherland was surprised when a group of sixth, seventh and eighth graders wanted to use his music for their truth and reconciliation project.

“I get asked all the time what we can do, and I think it’s a difficult one to answer,” Sutherland said in a phone interview. “This is a good example of how people can make a difference by taking action, taking matters into their own hands and trying to get involved.”

After celebrating the first National Day of Truth and Reconciliation in 2021, a teacher at Beachburg Public School in eastern Ontario reached out to the Attawapiskat musician. The students had heard Sutherland’s song Walk with me and wanted to create a music video.

In his letter to Sutherland, teacher Steve Pritchard said students are genuinely interested in finding practical ways to be part of the healing.

“The past year has been an incredible journey. It’s amazing to see how this video comes about the way it is. More importantly, it’s wonderful to see that it has raised awareness of past injustices. It has touched the lives of so many students and offers hope and next steps for the future. Thank you for working with us on this journey,” Pritchard said in a press release.

The video, which premiered on YouTube on September 30 — the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation — shows the children creating art with orange handprints and footprints and holding posters with the 94 calls to action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

Sutherland said that since the discovery of mass graves at school sites across the country, empathy and a willingness to listen from non-Indigenous communities seem to be increasing.

“As the truth finally came out, I started to see the shift and more people reached out to Indigenous communities. I think that pushed it in the direction we need to go.”

Sutherland was the lead singer and guitarist for Midnight Shine, a Canadian roots rock band, and released his debut solo album When the magic hits in 2021, which contains the song, Walk with mewith which the students worked.

The album also earned Sutherland a Juno nomination in the Contemporary Indigenous Artist or Group of the Year category.

recording for When the magic hits took place in a newly constructed studio in a 40ft shipping container on his property in Attawapiskat on James Bay.

“It’s so important for me to have space here at home to develop and capture ideas.”

Sutherland is currently working on a follow-up album to his solo debut and a book for Random House Canada about life in the Far North.