HISTORY TAUGHT THROUGH MUSIC & ART
By Vivian LaMoore
Winter is the time for storytelling for the Anishinaabe people, and Michael Laughing Fox Charette is a storyteller. He is a member of the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Ojibwe who enhances his stories with the hauntingly beautiful flute and drum performances. He brought a variety of flutes along special guests, the Mashkiiziibii Youth Drum from Bad River, and jingle dress dancer Ella Goodwin of the Red Cliff Band of Ojibwe for an educational program held at Wewinabe in March.
Laughing Fox’s work as both a visual and performance artist is woven together with the traditional wisdom of the Anishinaabe people. He uses his gifts to share Native history, culture, and spirituality. His performance at Wewinabe captivated the audience and engaged young and old alike.
While there was very little snow on the ground that evening, there was enough snow to share a few stories of the history of the flute in a heartwarming tale of a young man trying to learn how to communicate his feelings of unconditional love for a young girl.
His impressive storytelling and remarkable talent as a flute player and singer delivered a charming performance.
"I believe in sharing these stories and music to the youth as a way of educating them through entertainment," Laughing Fox said. "Engaging with them in the stories and including them in the performance helps draw a connection to our culture and our history even if they don't realize it at the time."
Laughing Fox encouraged the children and audience to participate in the performance of the evening, helping to make the sound of a rain storm. "It really did sound like rain!" said Tricia Thomas, Mille Lacs Early Education Head Start Services Coordinator.
