Shawnee | Image source: AMPLIFY
Top ‘Gender-Bending’ singer/ songwriter Shawnee (Mohawk) shares her story on APTN’ S Amplify about awakening her two-spirit identity while building a two-spirit sweat lodge in her community led by Ojibwe-Cree Elder and author Ma-Nee Chacaby. Before the airing, she shared some of her experiences with MUSKRAT.
MM: What do you hope audiences take away from your story?
S: I hope to use my story, my journey, and my path to encourage two-spirit people to honor and reclaim their voice as a two-spirit person.
MM: What was the experience like while working on the episode of Amplify that you were featured in?
S: I was terrified the entire time. Sharing this very personal and intimate journey felt extremely vulnerable, but this is why we did it. It was important for me to take on this challenge of stepping out of my comfort level and take on this healing path to learn more about my history and culture while sharing that.
MM: What can we expect from you next?
S: I am releasing an EP- Born Again – this November 2020. I am overwhelmed with excitement. This is a new place for me in my career and this EP showcases this with a different sound of soul, blues, and modern music. Taking a look at my struggles and embracing them at the same time.
Each week AMPLIFY delves into an Indigenous songwriter’s creative process while they weigh in on the political landscape of today. Audiences can watch AMPLIFY on APTN every Friday at 8 pm, with their Anishinaabe language version Thursdays.
Website: shawneemusic.com
Twitter: @shawneemusic
Facebook: Facebook.com/shawneemusicofficial
Instagram: @shawneekish
