"Side by Side"
(ᓃᓱᑳᐸᐏᐘᐠ / nîsokâpawiwak)
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
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Music & Original Lyrics: Wilbur Sargunaraj - A Message from Wilbur
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Cree Lyrics & Language: Falynn Baptiste (Red Pheasant First Nation)
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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 proud to make our core materials freely accessible to support educators province-wide, with exclusive digital binder downloads reserved for active SMEA members.
1. Audio Track Resources
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Public Track: Streaming on all major platforms starting August 15, 2026.
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Instrumental Track (Members Only): Perfect for classroom practice! Log in to access the instrumental version under SIDE BY SIDE ᓃᓱᑳᐸᐏᐘᐠ nîsokâpawiwak.
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Live Showcase Recording: Unveiled on Music Education Day with a live performance at Valley Manor School. The recording will be available in our video library following the event.
2. Chords, Lyrics & Language Resources
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Digital Chord & Lyric Sheets (Members Only): Complete sheets provided in both Cree and English.
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Cree Language Pronunciation Video Guide (Members Only): Build your confidence with our step-by-step video tutorial. Join Falynn and Wilbur as they walk through every Cree word line-by-line to guide accurate pronunciation.
3. Music Video Resource
Enhance your classroom experience with the official music video! Designed for teachers and students to follow along together, it offers an authentic, respectful way to integrate Indigenous drumming into your curriculum through cultural appreciation.
Coming Soon: Releasing in our video library on Music Education Day 2026!
Access Your Member Downloads
SMEA Member Exclusive Content
Log in to your SMEA account to download printable chord sheets, Cree Language Tutorial Video, and bilingual 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:
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Official Music Video: Filmed on location across Treaty 6 Territory.
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Choral & Band Arrangements: Formal ensemble arrangements for school performance groups across Saskatchewan.
Quick Links & Actions
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Download "Side by Side" Chords & Lyrics (SMEA Members Only)
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Access the Music | Access Instrumental Version (SMEA Members Only)
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Learn More About Music Education Day 2026