FireMakers music video, Fort Albany

“Firemakers” encapsulates the story of being young and navigating a world where it’s sometimes best to make your own rules. Home isn’t always safe, and so a small group of friends makes the decision to stay outside till sunrise, the haunting presence of a lone rez dog following them wherever they go. The music video captures these youth wandering through the raw beauty of Fort Albany, playing hide and seek with local police as they explore their landscape, rapping about what they see and feel. Capturing that delicate and fleeting world between childhood and adulthood, the project itself is dedicated to healing intergenerational trauma, including finding healthy ways for youth to express themselves. After initially postponing the creation of “Firemakers” due to COVID-19 lockdowns and travel restrictions, ArtsCan Circle and 67 Records have now completed this music video filmed entirely in Fort Albany First Nation. Under the mentorship of recording engineer Jeremiah Otis and filmmaker Christopher Cottle, youth participated in a ten-day ArtsCan Circle “Healing Through Music” workshop. It consisted of songwriting, recording, filming, editing and creative teamwork. The music video features: Yung Cherry Bomb, Lil Mikey, Krazy K, and Tease T. ArtsCan Circle opens pathways of opportunities for First Nations, Innu, Inuit, and Métis youth to collaborate with artists, access instruments and artistic tools, and share their stories through creative expression. Our mission is to confront the multiple realities and inequalities facing First Nations, Innu, Inuit and Métis youth in remote, Northern communities. To convey one clear message to the youth: You are valued and your voices are important. Music Video: Sponsored by: Slaight Family Foundation Supported by: Maaiingan Productions Makeway Foundation Bethel Community Services Foundation 67 Records Fort Albany First Nation