In honouring those who have suffered within Canada’s Residential School system, as well as supporting Indigenous youth, multi-award nominated singer, songwriter, advocate, and educator Buffy MacNeil’s has unveiled her new song, “Somebody Pray,”.
“I was asked during a conversation with Dr. Isabelle Knockwood to promise not to forget her stories,” Buffy shares of the now-late esteemed author, advocate, and Residential School survivor. “Dr. Knockwood’s words resonated as I put pen to paper to honour those who have suffered so terribly in these institutions.”
When MacNeil began to envision all the ways she could bring support to the health and well-being of Indigenous youth, the lyrics for “Somebody Pray” came pouring out as she reflected on those in her life who have been impacted by the system’s violent history.
“I felt like the song just needed to come out,” Buffy says. “My heart was thinking of my daughters, their families, and other relations in my life who have been affected across, and within, generations.”
The song is part of the “Somebody Pray Project,” which started in this past January; as part of a recently launched crowd-funding campaign, its purpose is to support the creation of a youth care and advocacy centre in the community of the Paq’tnkek Mi’kmaw Nation.
“As the project moves forward, I believe that it’s important to give back to the Indigenous community,” she continues. “My goal is to raise awareness — both locally, as well as provincially, nationally, and globally — about the systemic and institutional barriers and exclusion that historically and currently impact Indigenous youth, and to advocate for social change relevant to policies impacting Indigenous youth through the arts and music.
“I’m hoping to promote youth engagement that focuses on mentorship, skill development, and empowerment towards community well-being, and envision the creation of a space for Indigenous youth that provides relevant traditional knowledge, support and advocacy.”
Check out “Somebody Pray” below, and stay up to date with Buffy via her socials.