STRONG WOMAN SONG - Lisa Muswagon and Raven Hart-Bellecourt

I do not own song, or pictures, nor do I claim to!
"The Strong Women’s Song should be credited to the Anishinabe kwewag and Zhoganosh kwewag who were in solitary confinement in the Prison For Women in Kingston, Ontario during the 1970’s. Nancy said “It was these women who had this song come to them. My understanding, from one of the women I sing with and who went to P4W to work with the women there at that time, that this song emerged as a way of staying alive, of supporting each other in that hell hole. Many women in P4W lost their lives because of the horrendous conditions there. We sing this song to honour them, and all women.” (Ojibwe.net, 2016)

[@The1Weezie1]

This song was make in Prison for women in Kingston, Ontario. This song originated in the freaken dungeons of the prison. A cold place filled with ghost and torments. They made this song so they could be strong, they made this song for courage. This song was made by women who cared about each other ....

[@miraflyxx2870]

Hello! I'm 15 years old now, and im ojibwe, I used to not be really intersted in my culture, but I've started seeing the importance of my culture now that I'm older. I learned a different version of this song with lyrics, however I'm still happy that I could find it again. I used to be in a all girls drumming group w/ my birth mother. Thank you for posting this! Miigwech!

[@sweetlittleone1754]

Ya 'teeh. Keep growing sister. It's important to know where u come from your ancestral roots. It's who u /me are. Keep walking in the right path. Ago! NAVAJO MOTHER WARRIOR

[@stephanieanderson8546]

That's fabulous your culture is very important for you to teach your children's children

[@karmaleglass2168]

Wlkcome home my girl.

[@cmj_87]

Thank you for sharing, keep learning and loving!! ❤️❤️🔥🔥✊🏽✊🏽

[@Hi-nz8xu]

Proud of you and keep it up beautiful soul. My daughter is like you a 12 year old ojibwe girl !

[@lisaarnold8753]

Hello I am only 1/16 native American. Today is my 50th birthday. As I sit here in the very early morning listening to this music that for me started as a curiosity I'm sorry to say. I have listened to this song only a few times. But as I sit I notice I'm singing this beautiful song word for word. I have come to love this song and others of the native Americans. I believe in their way of Life. As much as I am part of their demise I wish to be art of their heritage. For all my people "I am so very sorry!!" May our God and yours forgive us our transgressions,Amen!

[@IndigiHealer]

Your message here is a bit confusing. are you 1/16th or not? you say "I have come to love this song and others of the native Americans", and , "I believe in their way of life" rather than, "our way of life". If you are 1/16th you would be Native American, period. What Tribe? Do you know? Blood quantum is a colonial concept. If you are a reconnecting Indiginous person, find your roots, get your DNA tested, see if any of your relatives are on the Dawes for that specific Tribe, get enrolled, and then emerce yourself into your own culture

[@lisaarnold8753]

@@IndigiHealer I am 1/16 Cherokee. I had only recently discovered my roots and I ment no disrespect to you or anyone. I was just trying to say that the music is beautiful and heartfelt. Nothing more.

[@sharonlortie9411]

You are an intelligent young woman and you will find a way to incorporate your heritage and culture into 20242:33 with the modern

[@victoriacarrillo5057]

I grew up knowing I was indigenous but never learned nor was taught about my culture, as I’ve gotten older I’ve been coming back to my roots and wanting to learn more of my culture so I can teach my children so they can be proud of being an indigenous women as proud as I am ❤

[@franchaisson3258]

Finally someone got it right 🤔I speak,my truth, I was in the P4W when,this song was gifted to the womyn from Bobby Woods,who was with AIMs at the time 1974,I carrie the feather ,that was gifted with the song...AHO...Fran Chaisson ..

[@Firstthunder]

Miigwetch for carrying this song from out of the cage. This song is very important and powerful. I sing it at ceremonies I do for the community.

[@liloukulele5238]

They tried to bury us...they didn't know we are seeds

[@spmoran4703]

Rise up and be beautiful free flowers .

[@icebloodxxx13]

I was taught this song a few years ago! I remember it still today. I sing it whenever I'm scared or unsure of myself. I was taught that it was a song of protection. Christine told us if you're ever scared or in a dangerous situation, sing this song, and you'll be safe.

[@dougyoakum3999]

My woman says this song was taught to her when her children were taken from her this song gave her the strength to carry on and live i thank the one woman that taught her this song and now it still gives her strength bless you all

[@lotus746]

Thank you for sharing❤️. Your wordsmade me realise how blessed I am. Blessings from Sweden.

[@Emmalyntsversion]

I will never forget when I first her this song, my grandmother sang it to me at a pow wow, when I was 5, that was my first time being able to dance at a ceremony, my first time learning about my hair, my shall, and my makeup I was told I dance for those who couldn't and I still do❤

[@momo1461]

THis is the song I was looking for. kzbin.info/www/bejne/i4PdXoWPerSUn8k

[@barbarahooper7777]

Truth. As one who was very close spiritually, emotionally, mentally and physically to the women of "P4W", I learned this song inside those walls, sitting around the grandfather drum with the Native Sisterhood. I say Kitchii Miigwetch to them for their kindness and love, always. You will stay in my heart forever.

[@karmaleglass2168]

Thank you for sharing your experience sister. Much respect Kitchi Miigwetch.

[@bryanmcgregor2275]

I am from new Zealand and I feel your sorrow and I just want to say thank you for surviving and sharing your culture with us I love you all so much once again thank you very much

[@gabrielapetrea8999]

This song is empowering, thanks for sharing. I'm from Europe, from Romania but I love the Natives American music and and tradition! ❤🙏🤗

[@renaemorriseau1541]

Thank you for sharing that Louise. I've heard that story as well. I was told that after the 'incident' that happened in Kingston, the song was re-named 'Strong Woman Song' - because none of the women that were singing this song, were harmed by the pepper spray, that was thrown....they just kept singing this amazing song.

[@syneedapenland6441]

This song is the perfect tribute to the International Woman, #WeAreUniversallyDivine 💓🌌💓🌌💓

[@erine8062]

Thank you for recording this song. When things are going well in my life, I sing it joyfully with you. When things are not going well, I sing with you with tears in my eyes. Both ways, it fills my heart and Spirit with love and I feel connected to all women. These days I sing it everyday, sometimes several times a day. Miigwech 💜

[@cmj_87]

❤️❤️

[@jencanadian1971]

As a Rainbow Warrior I humbly thank you for this beautiful and powerful gift of sharing. I Have blessed a water source with this beautiful energy for feminine sides in all. So very grateful. May the feminine energy rise to balance peace, love, and harmony.🌈🌊💖

[@ToriCressLM]

I always get teary eyed when we sing this song. It is the first song I have learned, but still will always have the same effect on me. Miigwech for sharing.

[@beautifulluna9670]

My name is Tonya Luna or in ojibwemowin Ogichiidaa'kwe Ahnahkwad. The first time I heard this beautiful song it was a ripped version on a CD that I had come across. At the time I didn't know the name nor who sung it. The words, the beat, the life of the song vibrated deep within my being and I cried the first time. Lost the CD. Year later I found the song again along with the info of who sang it and how to find it again! Yes! Chi Miigwech to the Sisterhood & for sharing. Evon Bear thank you for sharing the info related to the history and origin of this song. May we all be blessed and accomplish all we set out to do each day, may we continue to walk our path no matter how hard it becomes, with confidence continue to put one foot in front of the other, knowing the Creator is with us!

[@yvonnejohnson4325]

I'm being called back into the Edmonton Prison for Woman to share for this song and the Native Sisterhood of P.4.W. They want to record what i have to share and to sing songs the Native Sisterhood sung. I took my video off here, not sure why, but it is now lost as i do not have the original recording of it. But my name is Yvonne Johnson, and can be reached at [e-mail]. The government has been hounding me and they use others to get at me.

[@paulkarageorgis7301]

Exeter 2.40 4#1#5

[@jocelynthompsett5261]

Came here to listen well we mourn the 215 children remains found in Kamloops BC 🧡💔🧡💔

[@katiranaquito7929]

this makes me not give up, we are survivors

[@ZELTZINKULHUA]

All of women are the world. The mosth beatifull creations with that voice's. Love iT!!!

[@jusepomarametcaceresvargas9668]

que musica tan hermosa de nuestros hermanos nativos de america un saludo desde lima -peru

[@brienmaybe.4415]

God is indeed a woman. Blessed are all women. may you be free from suffering, may you be happy 🙏 🙌 ✨️ ❤️ 💖 💕 🙏

[@spmoran4703]

Yes there is a female god.

[@jaystewart9989]

I’m playing this song beside my mom, who is in the I.C.U. fighting like a true Ojibwe Métis warrior!

[@minnadou27]

I learned this song a decade or so ago and i been trying to remember and im glad it came to me now i can sing it cuz that is what my heart wants to do

[@pearlamaya765]

Thank you that loaded this song. It bring tears in my eyes and touched the heart. Also it bring some kind of comfort / peace in heart when I listen this. I am originally born in Finland but from my father side ojibwe and inca ( know the city but not the tripe name). All my life I've been looking for something without knowing what I'm looking for. As if I didn't belong here. But when I learned about my roots, it felt more like pieces had fallen into place and I understand things much better. Others listen to "contemporary" music but for me, native / Indian music has always brought comfort and peace. Proud of my roots.

[@lacey83ify]

Yes, This is my teaching as well from where this song originated from :) They created in while in the solitary confinement in Kingston Penitentiary

[@sylviaherring526]

Having worked at the New Mexico State Penitentiary, during the worst prison riots in US history. This song sure would have been needed. If you would I would like to know what the words in the red say, the lyrics to this song as one nation to another.

[@lisamarieclark6778]

Sending this to my daughter's with love and light. Thank you so much for sharing. We lost a lot during our struggles. Strength when our well is old my children.

[@kates551]

OMG.. I luv this song.. cant believe i found it

[@veronica24]

💯❤️ MAY THE STRONG NATIVE WOMEN WAKE UP AND RISE ITS TIME SISTERS!!!!

[@slybuster]

Naw, you should stay in bed. Your people don't fare well in pandemics.

[@cmj_87]

✊🏽🔥❤️

[@FB.RocksannROUW]

May all the women of our planet stand to stop the modern day scoop and electronic residential day abuse by cops judges lawyers politicians.. Sex traffiking in mommas homes ...mommas and babies.. They divide family using frequencies..bye to the man..then turn home into brothels.. Search brothels in plain sight. Order an electronic sweeper, and wifi, cell frequency scrambler... And a STRON motion sensored light insight your home facing doors catch em... Yes..knowledge is power. They want everyone drunk and stoned for sales to gross fn pigs.

[@janforaker3127]

In another lifetime I had a life ad a Indian as the music resonates so much with me. I ordered a CD of beautiful Indian songs and I immediately started singing with the CD all the way through!! It was quite moving for me.

[@tonyamattinas1734]

I am now a singer using this song for myself, because I can only take care of myself at the moment..thanks for listening as I do too.

[@deniseelalahoho50]

Tonya Mattinas all the best, we re with you.

[@backpacker-abhineet]

Great :)

[@edrenajones5960]

From years ago, take my hand, we’ll sing together.

[@cdntruckerwife]

my morning song

[@cdntruckerwife]

I also want to add this song makes me think of my mom who was murdered in 1988 downtown east hastings . She is one of mmiw and this song brings me so much peace.

[@arnoldpaul277]

Just. Brilliant... Them are all my sister's and your sister's Some are my great ,great ..greaaaat grand mother

[@moiecol]

To daughter Madison - you are stronger then you know ! This song brings me comfort and one day you can tell me about your life.

[@abigailshilts3317]

It's hard to explain to you how this song made me feel inside it really touched me like really touched me and I had serious shivers throughout my body I started to tear up...beautiful 💓

[@virginiaeasterling4347]

Awsome Song

[@melissahernandez6528]

I am proud to be half native American Indian in me from my father and rip father always be in my heart

[@user-wy9xc6mi6q]

I hear u my spiritual sister

[@hollowbonebaer8953]

A beautiful song for our women

[@charisauger744]

Beautiful. I recently watched A Musta Be: Maskihkiy Maskwa Iskwew and at the end, this song was sung. What a powerful play and even more powerful song. Hiy hiy Yvonne Johnson for your strength and resiliency

[@yvonnejohnson9851]

+Yvonne Johnson [e-mail]

[@nanabasic]

I have loved this song for a long time. Thank you for sharing it as I no longer hear it regularly and was forgetting how it goes. I appreciate the reminder very much.

[@virginiaeasterling4347]

Awsome. Song

[@starlahenry8106]

Love it. Beautiful. My heart beats rite with

[@calirican9163]

we are survivors in all skin shades

[@gr8nessaw8s94]

Awesome 👏 & beautiful For my Mum I play these to honour her memories

[@sharonrobertson6977]

Wish I knew the words not in English so I could try and sing this it gives feeling of....can't describe it but 1 of strength x

[@virginiaeasterling4347]

I'm watching from my camper trailer in Clanton Alabama with my 2 dogs

[@dianejung1821]

Powerful and Beautiful -- AHO !

[@candicorral6999]

who are the strong women in the pictures, this song is empowering, thank you for sharing, creating and sustaining our indigenous roots

[@danaanderson4922]

OUR PEOPLE GRANTED MEA SAFE TRAVELZ ON MY EXPLORE TRIP THROUGH PLACEZ NO COLOUR CAN GO. LMMFAO YEEHAW. LMMFAO

[@danaanderson4922]

N EVER SO KICK MI OWN ASS GRAMMA AT STORE SAY SPIRITUAL BUY GLOVEZ. NAW NOT TODAY. IMEA SHOULDA LISTEN STRONGER TO MI ELDER. LMMFAO

[@danaanderson4922]

GURLZ? LMMFAO. 👌 IN NEW MEXICO N COLORADO LISTENING TO POLITICAL RADION REZZZZZZ STATION. N SONGS. BUT LADY SAY NOW WE HEAR FROM SO N SO ON TOPICS. SHE SPOKE. THEN SHE SAY NOW WE HEAR FRO SO N SO OBAMA NAVAJO. WAZ THAWT NOT A BIG SLAP IN FACE AND AWARENESS SENT TO ALL TRUE ORIGINAL INDIGENOUS KIDZ? LMMFAO O A PRESIDENT NAME BEFORE A GIVEN OR TRIBE NAME? YAH. LMMFAO EVERYONE KNOWZ GEORGE WASHINGTON A CANNIBAL N ANDREW JACKSON A BITCH. LMMFAO

[@danaanderson4922]

SI. IMEA IN LOUISIANA NOW. THEY GOT THEM CHOCTAW DOWN HERE. LMMFAO TOO.

[@danaanderson4922]

MR. ARRON NEVILLE N HIS FAMILY . THEY ARE AFRICAN AMERICAN CHOCTAW. LMMFAO

[@carolyn6689]

Nice Native American song "Girl Power" ..wish I was brought up to have more strength in being a woman? Now as an adult I have to teach myself. All those parents out there that have young girls ,teach them now while they are young,to have confidence and self respect . let them know you can be whoever and whatever you want.Just because you are a girl,it doesn't mean you have limitations.

[@carolyn6689]

Its so needed more than ever today for young girls...too many today are getting the wrong ideas about what makes them worthy of love and respect..its really sad.we reflect everything to our kids and they absorb it like sponges most times, even the negative stuff..:( *****​

[@melissaweatherbee4]

Thank you creator for the women from pine Grove Sk Canada correctional centre (jail) for teaching me this song

[@bzystpn]

I recorded this for Walking With Our Sisters. Christi Belcourt & her friend mixed it so it can be played at the exhibit of moccassin tops. we need to bring change and end violence against Anishinabe women & children.

[@kathykearns953]

I have to forward this song to my sister! Th

[@creativecompanion]

This song instantly gave me chills. Powerful.

[@cindywright5878]

May The STRONG NATIVE WOMAN RISE UP BLESS YOU ALL BEAUTIFUL SISTERS❤️🤩🌷🦅🌷🦅🌷❤️🧡🤩🌷🌷🦅

[@misslainieb.1557]

Haunting and beautiful!

[@indigokids88]

Love this I am all woman ❤❤❤

[@anitaloyd9999]

Good morning and thank you so much for the opportunity to work with you on the road to recovery the way of life.

[@virginiaeasterling4347]

Awsome.

[@spmoran4703]

I am Irish Celt. But all the women in my family were strong women. I am too so i sing this song .

[@onefreebird1]

This song is a national, no global, treasure.

[@authentictennie3695]

Wado, I would like to share with my grandaughters and sisters to continue to raise them strong and confident...again Wado

[@selenapheasant481]

I love the song I herb the song before and I love,d it

[@RachelRossettoOwl]

LYRICS: "WAY HEY YA WAY HEY YA HEY OH WAY HEY YA WAY HEY YA HEY OH WAY HEY YA HEY YA OH WAY HEY YA OH WAY HEY YA WAY HEY YA HEY YA OH WAY HEY YA WAY HEY YA HEY YA OH WAY HEY YA OH WAY HEY YA WAY HEY YA HEY YA OH"

[@Magdaleneblueapples]

+Yvonne Johnson would you consider uploading a video of the original rendition? I would be so so so grateful to hear it as you were taught. Miigwech Onimiki

[@Magdaleneblueapples]

+Yvonne Johnson I will try to friend you there sister! Bless your heart! Miiwetch

[@Magdaleneblueapples]

There are too many with your name, would you find me? Onimiki Nojese Mayadakwe... Blessings!

[@yvonnejohnson9851]

+Feral Esque Tansi, Yvonne Johnson, [e-mail]

[@wholisticwholesomehealing888]

Yvonne Johnson ya ya ya 💖💖💖💖

[@diamondgirl359]

Fantastic!! I loved it!

[@Mondstein2011]

Wow, how beautiful and encouriging!!! Thank you for uploading!!

[@renalynng]

my husband always sing this with our daughter

[@jeanninevaquie3666]

J'adore !

[@solangede]

Thank you so much for sharing, this song is so powerful, has something I cannot really understand, but I heard it for the first time today, got inmerse in it, and even if I do not understand the words, and did not know the history, it made me cry. It´s the sound of pain and the strength to survive, the sound of overcoming so much violence. The sound of resilience. Could you translate the words, to be able to understand? Lots of newen (means strength and energy in Mapudungun) from Chile.

[@julierodabaugh6016]

Love you ALL my sisters and tribal family.

[@allimeekis1793]

This song was sang to me when I had went to a full moon ceremony about 2 years ago I think n hearing it taught me a lot n made me feel a lot better about myself…

[@normanlloydspottedhorse3008]

Singing this will help to pick you up,And strengthen your spirit.

[@jaystewart9989]

Playing this song at my mom’s bedside. She is in the I.C.U. fighting for her life. Please 🙏 save her Creator

[@ragenfitzpatrick4537]

I feel like I should apologize. I'm not native. My best friends mom is. I played native music for my daughter a lot. She was almost 4. She passed and my best friend and I sang this at her burial.

[@lotus746]

I am so sorry for your loss. Bleesings for you and your daughter. You Will always be together in your heart forever❤️

[@danaanderson4922]

WE ARE NOT SURVIVORZ. WE ARE RIGHTFUL. WE ARE BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE. WE ARE CORRECT CULTURE. WE ARE STILL HERE. WE ARE WARRIORZ.

[@normanlloydspottedhorse3008]

The Brothers that are loked down also sing this song,I know this from my stay in the Iron Tipi,

[@yvonnejohnson9851]

Yes back in the day the other brother's in prison supported us, they did so by singing the song for us in a show of support and solidarity. It was their way of attributing and joining in strength. I traveled to different prisons in Kingston area, C.B.I (AKA) Collins Bay Institution, (mostly) Joycville Institution, we had strong connections with Stoney Mountain, we sung as well in RPC, and we in the late 90"s at Drumheller, these were places I sung personally, except at Stoney. we sung on the community prison media called Contact in and out of Collins Bay Institution. One of the first time's it was sung publicly was by Beverly (Bev) Auger at the opening of Kingston Friendship Center in Kingston, another time was at the opening of the Native Museum in Toronto, it was sung every time the Sisterhood dealt with Government at meetings with the closing and building of new replacement prison's. It was sung at the Grand Opening of the Okimaw Ochi native women's prison on Kaneetkaneet Reserve in Sask, closest town is Mapel Creek Sask. To promote the local white community, the Healing Lodge is called Maple Creek Healing Lodge. As they ran in communications, as telephone pole wiring from this town. My husband at the time was servicing his sentence in C.B.I, he was none native but very active because of marriage to me and I through him and connections via the Sisterhood, traveled back and fourth to C.B.I, and then onto other local prisons in the area for cultural and reasons of being the chair of the Sisterhood. Movements because of interactions with government to build and close P.4.W. It was sung at the Special Peoples Olympiad events in C.B.I. This is The Native Sisterhoods Song and used as being recognized as such, least this get lost in the momentum of where it came from. Least wise all the native women who are lost and missing and for the one's who still stand so it is never forgotten. For all the women who never had to experience P.4.W. For all the native women who never left the prison alive. It was sung for Prison Justice Day, at the creation of Kingston's A.I.D.s and prison disease incentives. It was sung when fighting for native rights and rights to have native programs in prison, for ceremonial rights and freedoms. It was sung at the last native aboriginal commission.

[@frenchpizza9725]

Honor Family. Apache and Cherokee Texas

[@jackj6457]

Say no to systematic racism and imperialism, liberty to the individual

[@Nikk5588]

thank you for the song, and i'm happy that you like the video! :D

[@twinkletoes22221]

wonderful

[@migiziahshig]

Thanks for posting our singing. It is a very beautiful video.

[@guyprince9301]

thank you for sharing

[@lenawhite2815]

This is beautiful thank you!

[@RianDesoto]

They sing this is my native women's drumming group :)

[@user-tf7kb7yu3q]

❤❤❤

[@bmorningstartso]

As what I have been told this is the Strong Woman song that was made in the prison, during a lockdown? It was created by womxn as they remained resilient, their brave leadership in being able to bring calm to the chaos was something unbelievably powherful energy. Healers. Matriarchs. I grew up hearing it but didnt learn this information until just a coupke years ago when a group of foreigners were singing it in a show and the local native people were Respectfully asking them to sing maybe a different sone because of thw significance of the song they chose. Vancouver and British Columbia has a pretendian thing.. which can cause a lot of friction within the community for years and its been wild. I do want to express a thank you from me personally for sharing the song and I hope and encourage others that when they learn songs to also know who made the song, give credit where credit is due and also know the story of the significance of that song. ❤ I say this with love all my relations

[@lilianeg777]

Love it

[@tasinallb]

thanks for sharing this song. We are learning it and using it for the Idle No More gatherings for the Women's songs. One suggestion. . maybe correct the spelling above in the title. .STRONG woman song. sorry I'm just old that way. .love this song!

[@gabrielledaphnebradley1452]

I'm a conundrum.. Blackfoot Crow . Peace, love and prayers that the Great Spirit smiles upon you. We haven't succumbed to the European beliefs& religion. Animalist ❤ of all that they share& give. Love of father, Great Spirit. Thrive my sisters. ❤🙏

[@user-sj4dk2nk1v]

Blessing and protection from God :-*

[@debynash1]

Beauty in strength.

[@neitharrow]

Thank you.

[@sullysunflower204]

♥

[@colonmonique115]

My understanding is this song is actually by Maggie Pall who would sing this song outside of the penitentiary to give the women strength. She heard of one woman in particular who wanted to commit suicide, so she would go everyday to sing until she felt she was heard. A’ho

[@renaemorriseau1541]

Song was created by Maggie Paul. She is from Mi'kmaq (father) and Maliseet through her marriage to Stanley Paul from the St. Mary's First Nation in Fredericton, New Brunswick. Lovely done!

[@frenchpizza9725]

I love love love love love love love love love love love love love love love love love love love love love love love love love love love love love love to all that lives on Mother earth. First Nation's Texas

[@nlouve]

thank you, i'm inspired. :-)

[@frenchpizza9725]

I love you all. Sacred OWL WOMAN Texas sending all my soul to complete the Creator plan. We are one. One Father and One Mother Earth.

[@lourdessdovale]

Belas muito belas.