Granddaughter’s Song is a powerful, original symphonic work rooted in the Seven Grandfather Teachings, the core Anishinaabe guiding principles for living a balanced life. A young Ojibwe girl learns about herself, her family, and her connection to the land as she matures with the guidance of her Gookum and her mother. She recounts her memorable journeys with her grandmother in the rugged north shore country of Lake Superior as she learned each of the Seven Grandfather Teachings: humility from Wolf, bravery from Bear, honesty from Sabe, wisdom from Beaver, truth from Turtle, respect from Buffalo, and finally, love from Eagle. Still images on the screen for each section help the audience focus on listening intently to the music and the stories.

Co-written by Shy-Anne Hovorka (award‑winning singer/songwriter/educator) and Dr. Micah Pawluk (composer/pianist), this multi‑movement piece blends storytelling, song, and orchestral textures to create a moving journey. With the voices of guiding Elders and rich instrumentation from Indigenous and Métis musicians, Granddaughter’s Song honours Truth and Reconciliation and carries forward the voices of generations.

Beyond its beauty, this piece reflects the reality that many Indigenous youth must learn to walk in two worlds—maintaining their cultural identity, language, and teachings while navigating the expectations of the dominant culture around them. Through its narrative and musical landscape, Granddaughter’s Song gently guides the listener through the impacts of generational trauma and the quiet resilience woven into family lines. It offers a window into the lived experience of Indigenous youth whose daily lives sit at the intersection of cultural pride and societal pressures.

Both an artistic creation and a living teaching, this work is a reflection on identity, tradition, generational knowledge, love and loss, and the enduring bond between people and the land. It celebrates resilience, belonging, and the healing power of remembering who you are—inviting all who listen to walk along the path of reconciliation and gain from the enduring strength of Anishinaabe teachings.