Indigenous youth reconnect with cultural identity: The evaluation of a community‐ and school‐based traditional music program

Abstract

Reconnecting Indigenous youth with their cultural traditions has been identified as an essential part of healing the intergenerational effects of forced assimilation policies. Past work suggests that learning the music of one's culture can foster cultural identity and community bonding, which may serve as protective factors for well-being. An 8-week traditional song and dance program was implemented in a school setting for Indigenous youth. An evaluation was conducted using a mixed-method design to determine the impact of the program on 35 youth in the community. A triangulation of qualitative and quantitative data revealed several important themes, including personal development, cultural development, social development, student engagement in school-based programming, and perpetuating cultural knowledge. The program provided students with an opportunity to connect with their cultural traditions through activities that encouraged self and cultural expression. Community responses suggested that this type of programming is highly valued among Indigenous communities.

Traditional crafting as a catalyst for Indigenous women’s intergenerational cohesion and wellness: a Canadian perspective

“…As a wider field of traditional teachings, we also included native language instruction [ 16 ], traditional song and dance [ 22 ], storytelling [ 16 , 20 , 21 , 24 ], and more contemporary forms of artistic expression such as photography, theatre and film production [ 16 , 26 ]. Participants used sketchbooks to record and explore the value and origin of traditional food [ 25 ].…”

“…Seniors were proud to transfer traditional knowledge and culture to the next generation. Good 2021 [ 22 ] To evaluate whether the traditional song and dance programme had a positive impact on youth Students enjoyed learning, performing, and expressing happiness following programme activity. Hanson 2018 [ 23 ] To explore informal adult learning and textile production in an Indigenous context The sharing and learning from the gathering demonstrated the strength of beading practices and the way it could bring people together.…”

“…Elders were excited to share their stories and were delighted in the finished craft projects of the younger generations [ 19 , 24 ]. The younger generation was proud to learn about their culture and traditions from the Elders and to share their newly acquired skills [ 16 , 22 ].…”

“…Some papers reported a heightened interest by the whole community in learning or maintaining the knowledge of a specific traditional craft. The authors also highlighted the role of schools in teaching cultural arts in addition to learning them from Elders and family members [ 22 , 25 ].…”

Planning arrangement of medley regional songs on choir for the preservation of local culture

“…In order to preserve the cultural heritage, in the curriculum study for art and culture. One of the efforts to preserve it is by arranging regional songs (Good et al, 2021). The arrangement is composing or composing a musical work in the form of vocal or instrumental songs.…”