Sherryl Sewepagaham

Of Cree-Dene descent, from the Little River Cree Nation in so-called Alberta, Canada.

Music Therapist,

Musician,

Children's Educator


Education and Career:

Sewepagaham holds a Bachelor of Education from University of Alberta, and a Bachelor of Music Therapy from Capilano University. From this, Sewepagaham has brought forth her indigenous traditions in music and applied it to her career. For 14 years, Sewepagaham taught elementary music lessons bringing forth First Nations music education for the students. She also works to write curriculum for music in classes.

Music therapy can take many forms, but in essence is the putting to action of music and its positive impact on alleviating symptoms of disease or improving the mental wellbeing of those in intensive care. As a music therapist, Sewepagaham works with indigenous folk in paliative care and with the elderly.

Sewepagaham also works as a composer of both contemporary and traditional indigenous drum songs, including some drum pieces and melodies for movie trailers and pilot episodes. She is also a 20 year member of a 2005 Juno nominated trio called Asani which has toured globally and received various awards (see Major Accomplishments).


Original Music:

Music Alive, the theme used for the National Arts Centre’s Music Alive Program (MAP) :

http://radio.nac-cna.ca/artsalive/music_alive/Music_Alive.mp3

Debut Solo Album 2014, which received a 2015 Indigenous Music Award nomination:

Splashing the Water Loudly


Major Accomplishments:

2010 Canadian Folk Music Award

2010 I-Word Summer Music Award

2005 Canadian Aboriginal Music Award

Performed at Caregie Hall

Performed at the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver, BC.