Why you should rethink your ‘origin story' | Mel Larkin & D'Ari Lisle | TEDxVictoria

TL;DR

Musicians teach Indigenous youth to express their history and identity through songwriting.

Transcript

[Applause] years ago we were living and working as musicians having just undergone a massive life transition we' recently relocated to an abandoned farmhouse in the middle of nowhere had a baby which for the record took about five minutes to get done because there's not a lot to do when you move to the country and you're young okay you an abandoned... Read More

Key Insights

• 😑 The power of songwriting can act as a catalyst for youth empowerment and self-expression, particularly among marginalized communities.
• 💍 Engaging with historical narratives is essential for personal growth and understanding one’s identity within a socio-cultural context.
• 🤳 The journey from understanding to overstanding and inner standing can liberate individuals from limiting beliefs, encouraging them to embrace their authentic selves.
• 👶 The children's album not only served as a creative outlet but also became a statement of their cultural identity and a tool for advocacy.
• ❓ Meaningful engagement with history fosters a sense of belonging and emotional healing for individuals grappling with the legacies of colonialism.
• 🥺 The musicians' journey illustrates how stepping outside one’s comfort zone can lead to transformative experiences that redefine personal and communal narratives.
• 🫚 Analyzing origin stories can reveal deep-rooted societal influences that have shaped personal beliefs and aspirations.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did the musicians initially feel about the opportunity to teach Mohawk youth?

The musicians were both intrigued and intimidated by the request. They recognized the challenge of guiding grade eight Mohawk youth through Canada's complex colonial history, especially as non-Indigenous teachers. Despite their hesitation, they felt the timing was perfect, as they sought more meaningful engagements that aligned with their values.

Q: What impact did the songwriting workshops have on the students?

The workshops fostered significant personal growth among the students. Initially resistant, they gradually found their voices and confidence as they engaged with their history. By the end of the process, every student participated in the recording of an album, demonstrating newfound self-worth and the ability to express their stories creatively.

Q: What was the broader significance of the students' album?

The album served both as a way for the students to reflect on their community's struggles due to colonialism and as a means to propose a vision for their future. Furthermore, it became a tool for activism, as the students used it to raise funds for the missing and murdered Indigenous women’s issue and sent copies to political leaders.

Q: How did the musicians’ experiences shape their understanding of their own identities?

Through their involvement with the students, the musicians were prompted to examine their own origin stories and the narratives they carried. They recognized how their backgrounds and societal privilege influenced their identity, driving home the importance of understanding and reshaping one's personal narrative for growth.

Q: What does "overstanding" mean in this context?

"Overstanding" refers to gaining a deeper, holistic perspective on one's origin story, identifying external influences, societal pressures, and historical contexts that shape personal identities. This concept encourages individuals to recognize their narratives' complexity and promotes a more profound understanding of their lived experiences.

Q: What are the steps involved in the growth process described in the content?

The content outlines a multi-step process: starting with understanding one's origin story, moving to overstanding the external influences shaping it, then achieving inner standing through self-reflection and awareness, and finally expanding one's perspective to embrace and rewrite their narrative freely.

Q: What role does storytelling play in the narrative shift for youth?

Storytelling is vital in enabling youth to reclaim their narratives, empowering them to express their experiences and perspectives. The act of creating and sharing their stories through music allows them to confront their histories, validate their feelings, and forge a new identity grounded in confidence and authenticity.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Two musicians embraced a new calling when they were invited to teach Mohawk youth through songwriting, challenging them to confront their cultural history and personal narratives related to colonialism.

• Initially hesitant, the students gained confidence and eventually produced an album that reflected their experiences and aspirations, using it to raise awareness and funds for important social issues.

• The process revealed the transformative power of understanding one’s origin story, leading to personal growth and broader social impact through subsequent projects across multiple countries.