2009 JUNO Award nominee Chris McKhool is hailed as "Canada's greatest eco-troubadour for young people" and a "Children's musical star" (National Post).  

McKhool is one of Canada's hottest musicians for young people, and has been touring across North America with his concerts for over ten years, reaching 1 million children, and has appeared on Mr. Dressup, YTV's Treehouse and the CBC.

McKhool�s latest CD, FiddleFire!, earned him a 2009 Parents� Choice Award, a 2009 iParenting Media Award, and the 2009 JUNO Award Nomination.  A champion of environmental issues, Chris has also won a Green Toronto Award of Excellence with his other CDS and concerts. Please visit www.fiddlefire.com for more info. He's also cute and pretty funny.

SHANNON THUNDERBIRD After ploughing through my website, you should know me by now. Suffice it to say that McKhool is well known in his field, I am well known in mine.  Over the years I have worked with thousands and thousands of children and teens and had a rollicking good time doing it!

Kids are our future, it is our responsibility to ensure that their rite of passage into adulthood is one of joy, celebration, peace and harmony.  Alas, in our fractured world this is not always possible, so it is people like myself and McKhool, and the rest of the Teya Peya team who have dedicated themselves to helping our youth be the best they can be, not because it is expected, or because the world demands it, but what they have purposed for themselves. Our job is to help guide them in the direction of that purpose in life-affirming ways.

Between the two of us we create musical magic with kids! See our Rogue's Gallery below of some of our travels together.

HOW WE DO IT

Chris and I work in a school on a project basis. This means two-five days in one school working with students from Grades 3 - 12.  It is a song-writing-themed project, based on Medicine Wheel/Character Education and Environmental teachings.

1.  The students are first introduced to the Medicine Wheel.

1. 2.  They are shown photos of the real wheels and the significance of the shape and the stones is explained.

2. 3.  We consult with the school to see if they wish any of the teachings to be emphasized., i.e., teachings that address lack of self-esteem, bullying.

3. 4.  The students then engage in a free flow of ideas around the chosen teaching(s), i.e. respect, honour, sharing, courage, hope, etc. We write all their words on a flip chart.

4. Chris and I organize them into a coherent song and we write the music on the spot!  Yes, we are that good! Don't try this at home, we are professionals!

5. 4.  If the school is amenable, at the end of the project the students host a gathering of interested parents and students from other classes and perform their material. 

EXAMPLE: 2011, C.E. Webster Public School in Toronto. Four songs were written with the theme of "Respect" - Respect for each other; Respect for the Environment; Respect for Cultural Diversity; Respect for Teachers and Family.  At a gathering that included the rest of the school, teachers, family, the kids sang their songs plus the school's official song, "Blue Jays Dream" which I wrote with the students in Grades 4-5 in 2010. (Photos below)

.....WHAT PEOPLE SAY.....

"Thunderbird is the first headlining First Nations performer to appear at the Imperial Theatre. The theatre was thrilled to have someone of her calibre. Finding ways to educate people through music and theatre is what makes this inspirational woman tick! (Telegraph-Journal, St. Johns, New Brunswick)

"Chris McKhool isn't sure if he's ready to be mentioned in the same breath as Raffi and Fred Penner. But with a new CD and a growing list of fans, the 'eco-troubadour' may soon no longer have any choice."
(Sean Lynch, The Ottawa Citizen)

"Shannon, thanks you for coming once again and working with Havergal's, Grade 6 girls. Your stories and songs will remain with them and guide them into the future." (D. Sinnot, Librarian, Havergal)

Many have tried but none have come as close to capturing what it means to truly celebrate multiculturalism as Chris McKhool. The Toronto singer-songwriter epitomizes what many Canadians have come to love about this country." (Deanne Fisher, City Parent)

"The students received much valuable information on First Nations culture and delivered in a really interactive, entertaining way. The power of Ms Thunderbird's singing voice left the students enthralled."
 (B, Richie, Teacher, Trail, B.C.)

"The best musical performance we've ever had at our school. We all learned a lot!" (Sherley Valo - Teacher)

"I can't believe that people actually laugh at Ms Thunderbird's music. That's just mean.
I liked the songs and one of  them is now stuck in my head.
It was fun singing them. I feel bad how my Ancestors may have treated
hers.  But, she told us not to feel bad, just to learn from the past. She was
 really great!  (Mary, Grade 6)

"A children's superstar!" (Brent Bambury, CBC Television Live)

"Your sense of the spiritual and regard for our Ancestors was particularly moving. The young people I talk with following your presentation were very appreciative . They will benefit much from your message as they go onto further life experiences. (G. Hammons, Northwest Network for Youth, Seattle, WA)

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