Stirling John Foundation
for Youth Empowerment
Our vision is to enrich Indigenous Youth through exploring the opportunities of the music industry. Providing knowledge, guidance, and experience to further our musical Indigenous youth in Alberta.
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In the spirit of ongoing truth and reconciliation with our Indigenous communities, Stirling John Foundation for Youth Empowerment will be conducting youth engagement in the Treaty 6, Treaty 7 and Treaty 8 Indigenous Communities. This initiative is to build relationships and trust between the indigenous communities through music while encouraging the creativity with youth in Indigenous communities in Alberta. This initiative will develop the following skills: Leadership, Relationship Building, Self-Worth, Discipline , Community Awareness, and Creativity.
When Community Comes Together, Magic Happens!
Last September, during Wabasca Cultural Days, our band Stirling John Music Band had the honor of performing and meeting some other incredible local talent. One voice in particular stood out: a young artist named Grace Decoine, whose performance left a lasting impact on all of us.
Our registered non-profit Stirling John Foundation for Youth Empowerment is dedicated to uplifting emerging artists and provide mentorship in underserved communities across Alberta. It’s all about creating access, opportunity, and using our industry connections to spark real change in young lives.
From that spark, an incredible project was born.
Grace was paired with our band’s songwriter, David Pedersen, who wrote “Kind Like You” a heartfelt song inspired by and dedicated to Grace’s late father, Wayne Decoine. Grace traveled to Edmonton and Calgary to record the track with JUNO Award-winning producer Russell Broom at his studio.
Here’s what community collaboration looks like:
Vocals: Grace Decoine
Production, Guitar, Bass: Russell Broom
Drums: Chad Melchert
Keyboards: Stephen Fletcher
Background Vocals: Kate Stanton
Photography: Michelle Spice
Graphic Design: Jason Allen
And none of this would’ve been possible without our amazing sponsors and supporters:
-TC Energy
-Municipality of Opportunity
-Fairmont Hotels & Resorts
-Long & McQuade Canada
-Laberge Engraving
-Nitinas Noskey Consulting
The journey continued this summer when Grace took the stage at the Calgary Stampede on July 6, backed by our band in front of a cheering crowd.
Thank you to everyone who helped make this dream a reality. We’re just getting started. Together we move mountains.
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“Music has the power to heal, transform and inspire and we have the power through deep listening to increase our intuition and self awareness.”
Andre Feriante
