Amazon was proud to launch the 2024 edition of Your Voice is Power at an event attended by hundreds of middle and high school students at the University of Calgary.
The program, which is presented by Amazon Future Engineer, Amazon Music and charity TakingITGlobal, teaches computer science and coding skills by allowing students to remix music from Indigenous artists using EarSketch, a free online code editor available in English, French, Ojibwe, and Inuktitut. Students engage in discussions on the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis experience in Canada, including topics like Residential Schools, the Sixties Scoop, and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action.
“At Amazon, we are committed to empowering children and young adults to learn new skills that will give them more opportunities,” said Cynthia Caglar, Head of Amazon Future Engineer Canada. “There is a strong demand for computer science-related careers, but we know that many Canadians – especially those from underserved backgrounds – risk being left behind. Your Voice is Power gives students and teachers an introduction to coding while demonstrating how music and computer science can be tools to advance social justice, which can help them identify future academic and career possibilities.”
“We’re proud to continue our work with Your Voice Is Power for a third consecutive year, and use music to create and encourage conversation and connection around the Indigenous experience in Canada,” said John Murphy, Head of Music, Canada, Amazon Music. “We’re very grateful for the engagement and participation of artists, teachers, and students in the program, and we can’t wait to hear the new remixes submitted this year.”
All Your Voice is Power participants are encouraged to submit their remixes to a competition in which two winners – one Indigenous, one identifying as an ally – will receive $5,000 (CAD) scholarships. New for 2024, Juno Award-nominated artist Aysanabee will provide music for the Your Voice is Power curriculum, and will also join the student competition judging panel.
To learn more about Your Voice is Power, visit YourVoiceisPower.ca.
