Emma Stevens - I Want to Rise (Official Music Video)

“I Want to Rise” was created to help bring awareness to the more than 4000 missing and murdered First Nations women and girls from across Canada and the many thousands more #MMIW in the United States of America, and, as well, to help empower First Nations youth to rise above the many challenges they face being indigenous youth in Canada today.

“I Want to Rise” was created in memory of Cassidy Bernard of We’koqma’q First Nation (Nova Scotia, Canada) who was murdered at the age of 22 in 2018. #justiceforcassidy

“I Want to Rise” features lead vocals by grade 12 graduating student, Emma Stevens, and acting performances by grade 9 teacher, Carol Anne Jeddore, and grade 10 student, Mary Katherine Joe. More than 100 staff, students and community members contributed to the project.

“I Want to Rise” was written and produced by Allison Bernard Memorial High School music teacher, Carter Chiasson.

http://www.abmhseskasoni.ca/


//CREDITS//

Songwriter: Carter Chiasson
Music Production: Carter Chiasson
Audio Production: AJ Boutlier, @ajboutlier; Jamie Foulds, @soundparkstudios; Carter Chiasson, @ridge.recordings
Video Production: Jason Lafrense (JLF Productions)
Mixing and mastering: Jamie Foulds, @soundparkstudios

/Video/
Girl: Mary Katherine Joe
Mother: Carol Anne Jeddore
MMIW Signs: Lauren Sylliboy
Video Concept, planning and direction: Newell Johnson, Carter Chiasson, Emma Stevens, Carol Anne Jeddore, Mary Joe and Maria Alex
Language Consultant: Katani Julian
Thumbnail: Adam Chiasson

/Music/
Lead Vocal: Emma Stevens
Harmony Vocals: Rose Cousins, Nicole Deveau
Hand Drum: Michael R Denny
Chant: Michael R Denny
Jingle: Bethany Cremo-Oakley
Voice: Rita Gould. Translation: Don’t stop fighting



Special thanks:

Newell Johnson and Terry Bernard for allowing us to film in your home and for everything you do for our school and the community.

Gibbet Stevens for facilitating the retreat that led to the creation of this project and for your support of the arts and technology programs at ABMHS.

Mary Lou and Hughie MacNeil for allowing us to film on your farm.

Bernie and Judy MacPhee for allowing us to film on your property and for your friendship.


I WANT TO RISE // LYRICS

I dream at night of the city lights, of the sights and the sounds and the feel
Of the wind in my hair, the open road, and the stars in the sky as my wheel
From the hills to the shore of this little town, my heart aches for what could be
So close, yet so far away.. to me
And I can’t wait for all the world to see

I wanna rise, I wanna fly
Spread my wings, leave the ground and touch the sky
I wanna walk this path, this winding road with you
I wanna rise, like an eagle in flight
Out of the dark, take back the night
Bring your voice into the light
I wanna rise

These are the days that hearts can break, this is the time and the place
I don't know what to think, what to say, how to feel. What is real and what is fake?
Can you hear me scream, can you hear me roar, can you see me I'm right here
With my heart on my sleeve and my hands in the air

And I can’t wait to meet you when I’m there
I wanna rise, I wanna fly
Spread my wings, leave the ground and touch the sky
I wanna walk this path, this winding road with you
I wanna rise, like an eagle in flight
Out of the dark, take back the night
Bring your voice into the light
I wanna rise

Two rays of light shine bright in the night, for all the world to see
From the stars in the sky, to the clouds above to the depths of the deep blue sea
Can you feel my breath on the wind tonight, can you hear my voice in the air
Wherever you go, I’ll be there

Chorus x2
Spread my wings and take flight
I wanna rise