One of Sherryl's most popular and engaging works - "okâwîmâw askîy" was originally commissioned by Luminous Voices in Calgary, and has since been performed across the country!
Sherryl writes: "okâwîmâw askîy (Mother Earth) began as a vocable song and Cree words were added to bring more meaning. The intention of the song is love, hope and standing in unity to take better care of our mother earth, Okâwîmâw Askiy. A first-person plural perspective is intentional for us to speak directly to her as we sing to her as her children: Mother Earth, we are your children. We love you.
okâwîmâw askîy (Mother Earth) is intended to be performed outside on the land, using the gifts of the land (such as leaves) in performance. If performing inside, it should be performed without shoes to have a softer sound and paper leaves can be made to simulate the sound of leaves falling on the forest floor. Body percussion is to be used instead of a frame drum to symbolize the peoples’ connection to the land."
Approachable SATB writing will make this a great fit for your choir - and each of Sherryl's pieces on musica printima comes with an audio pronunciation guide to aid you with the Cree text. ᑭᓯᐑᐯᐦᑲᐦᐊᒼ | KISIWÎPÊHKAHAM ("Splashing the Water Loudly") is a series of music by Sherryl Sewepagaham launched in 2025. Explore her catalogue today!
Sewepagaham: okâwîmâw askîy (Mother Earth)
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