Module 1: The Global and the Local in Indigenous Knowledge
Entry 1: Storytelling through music: Indomitable
Video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qTJvpfkRRdA
DJ Shub’s award winning music video combines images, symbols, movement and sound to communicate the contrast between a world constructed by western culture and one rooted in Indigenous culture as seen through spatial, social, spirituality, and experiential dimensions.
The significance of this particular artifact connects to the theme of this Module. This work of art depicts the western world as dark and unwelcoming. The main character in this story is alone in a crowd, working as an individual, and rushing through a concrete landscape. As the story changes, he leaves this space of individuality and consumerism and travels into a more natural landscape. Meeting and greeting friends and family members and participating in his traditional culture through dance, he transforms into a vibrant, connected member of a larger community.
The art of storytelling is reinforced with the use of technology in this instance. I appreciate that the content creators are members of the Indigenous community, highlighting an example of how technology can be used to build knowledge of their culture on a global scale.
The music in this video features the Northern Cree Singer’s song “Young and Free”. While the title of the video is Indomitable. I hope that everyone who sees this post watches the video to see the resilience and unconquerable nature depicted in this story.
DJ Shub. (2016). Indomitable ft. Northern Cree Singers (Official Video) [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qTJvpfkRRdA