On September 30, 2022, the second National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, musicians from across Canada released “Bring the Children Home”, a song that calls for unity and healing for all Canadians. In May 2021, the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc Nation informed the public of 215 unmarked graves at the former Kamloops Residential School. Shortly after, the Cowessess First Nation identified preliminary findings of 751 unmarked gravesites at the former Marieval Residential School. Searches continue across Canada to recover the remains of Indigenous children who never made it home with 11 former residential schools already identifying 1,800+ unmarked graves. Many Canadians, in acts of solidarity, placed children’s shoes in their community, wore orange ribbons and orange shirts, and a mass public demonstration was held on Canada Day in 2021 as a day of mourning and reflection. During that time, Indigenous Relations Consultant and musician Michael Etherington, with his uncle, singer/songwriter Vern Cheechoo, co-wrote the song “Bring the Children Home”. Indigenous artists from across Canada were invited to collaborate on the song: Susan Aglukark, Murray Porter, Vern Cheechoo, Thelma Cheechoo, Lacey Hill, Tasheena Sarazin, Earle ‘Honey Boy’ Danyluk, Inuit throat-singing duo Inukshuk Aksalnik and Pauline Pemik, and youth artist, Justice Quachegan. The song was co-produced by Bill Bell and Michael Etherington to support continued reconciliation efforts by healing through music. 100% of proceeds from the song will be donated to the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund to support the organization’s work to build awareness, education, and connections between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Canada, and to answer Gord Downie’s call to “Do Something” to move reconciliation forward. "We are grateful to Michael, the musicians and everyone who worked on this song for selecting the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund to be the recipient of the funds raised,” said Sarah Midanik, President & CEO, Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund. “Gord Downie used his platform as a musician to raise awareness of the true history of Canada and residential schools and we are pleased to see so many incredible musicians continuing this important and meaningful work.” The song premiered live on City TV Breakfast Television on Friday, September 30th, and is available digitally on Amazon Music, Spotify and Itunes. The logo and artwork for the song were contributed by Vincent Design, who developed the Survivors flag for the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation.
Production Company: Full Frame Productions Director: Josh Borg Producer: Michael Etherington Co-Producer: Susan G Enberg (Susan & Enberg Productions Inc) Camera: llan Waldman & Reil Munro (TRC & Fort Albany First Nation) Director of Photography: Josh Borg "A" Camera: Andrew Maclennan "B" Camera: Michel El-Khoury Post Production: Josh Borg Locations: TO Live Meridian Hall Fort Albany First Nation Iqaluit, NU Artists: Susan Aglukark Thelma Cheechoo Vern Cheechoo Murray Porter Tasheena Sarazin Lacey Hill Justice Quachegan Earle “Honeyboy” Danyluk Pauline Pemik Inukshuk Aksalnik Late Joanne Shenandoah Band: Drums : Gary Craig Bass : John Dymond Piano / Organ : Mark Lalama Cello : Kevin Fox Mastering : Joao Carvalho Producer & Mixer: Bill Bell Composed by: Vern Cheechoo Lyrics: Michael Etherington & Vern Cheechoo Special Thanks to: Shaun Vincent and team from Vincent Design who donated album art: All staff drew 215 unique eagle feathers in support of the songs message Akwesasne TV TO Live Meridian Hall Sponsored by: Moose Cree First Nation Grand Council of Crees Cree Nation of Wemindji Mushkegowuk Council
Production Company: Full Frame Productions Director: Josh Borg Producer: Michael Etherington Co-Producer: Susan G Enberg (Susan & Enberg Productions Inc) Camera: llan Waldman & Reil Munro (TRC & Fort Albany First Nation) Director of Photography: Josh Borg "A" Camera: Andrew Maclennan "B" Camera: Michel El-Khoury Post Production: Josh Borg Locations: TO Live Meridian Hall Fort Albany First Nation Iqaluit, NU Artists: Susan Aglukark Thelma Cheechoo Vern Cheechoo Murray Porter Tasheena Sarazin Lacey Hill Justice Quachegan Earle “Honeyboy” Danyluk Pauline Pemik Inukshuk Aksalnik Late Joanne Shenandoah Band: Drums : Gary Craig Bass : John Dymond Piano / Organ : Mark Lalama Cello : Kevin Fox Mastering : Joao Carvalho Producer & Mixer: Bill Bell Composed by: Vern Cheechoo Lyrics: Michael Etherington & Vern Cheechoo Special Thanks to: Shaun Vincent and team from Vincent Design who donated album art: All staff drew 215 unique eagle feathers in support of the songs message Akwesasne TV TO Live Meridian Hall Sponsored by: Moose Cree First Nation Grand Council of Crees Cree Nation of Wemindji Mushkegowuk Council