Truth & Reconciliation Through Classroom Music

Welcome to the official resource hub for "Side by Side" (ᓃᓱᑳᐸᐏᐘᐠ / nîsokâpawiwak), SMEA’s featured provincial project for Music Education Day 2026.

Designed as an accessible, high-impact pedagogical tool for both specialist music teachers and generalist classroom educators, this original piece integrates Indigenous languages and cross-cultural learning directly into Saskatchewan classrooms. In celebration of the 2026 Saskatchewan Music Education Day a live performance will be held at Valley Manor School, Martensville, SK. The event will be recorded and made available at a later date. Stay tuned!

 

About the Song & Core Philosophy

Inspired by the historic Two Row Wampum Treaty of 1613, "Side by Side" embodies a powerful vision of peaceful co-existence, mutual respect, and shared learning. Set at a accessible, classroom-friendly tempo of 75 BPM, the track seamlessly weaves together English, French, and Cree verses to foster unity through song.

The Creative Team & Cultural Protocol

• Music & Original Lyrics: Wilbur Sargunaraj - A Message from Wilbur

• Cree Lyrics & Language: Falynn Baptiste (Red Pheasant First Nation)

• Protocol & Permission: To respect Indigenous knowledge systems, this project strictly adhered to proper cultural protocols on Treaty 6 Territory. As formally documented in the "Side By Side Protocol Confirmation", explicit permission to utilize and adapt the song was collaboratively granted by Falynn Baptiste and Elmer Tootoosis.

 

Classroom Resources & Member Downloads

We are making core materials freely accessible to support educators province-wide, with exclusive digital binder downloads reserved for active SMEA members.

1. Audio Track

• Public Release: Streaming on all major platforms on September 15, 2026.

• Live Showcase: Officially unveiled on Music Education Day with a live performance at Valley Manor School.

 2. Chords & Lyric Sheets

• Languages Included: Trilingual text in Cree, English, and French.

• Member Early Access: Digital chord and lyric sheets delivered directly to SMEA members in mid-August 2026 for autumn curriculum planning.

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Access Your Member Downloads

SMEA Member Exclusive Content

Log in to your SMEA account to download printable chord sheets,  and trilingual lyric guides directly to your digital teaching binder.

Not an SMEA member yet? Join or Renew Your SMEA Membership Today 

 

Future Horizons: Project Expansion

SMEA is committed to building a permanent, sustainable framework for provincial reconciliation through music education. Future rollouts for the "Side by Side" initiative include:

• Official Music Video: Filmed on location across Treaty 6 Territory.

• Language Pronunciation Guides: Audio and video pronunciation aids covering the Cree, French, and English lyrics to build educator confidence.

• Choral & Band Arrangements: Formal ensemble arrangements for school performance groups across Saskatchewan.

 

Quick Links & Actions

• Download "Side by Side" Chords & Lyrics  (SMEA Members Only)

• Stream Track on Spotify / Apple Music / Amazon Music  (Available Sept 15, 2026)

• Learn More About Music Education Day 2026