In Their Own Words - Recording Artist Crystal Shawanda

Crystal Shawanda was born and raised on Wikwemikong First Nation on Manitoulin Island, Ontario where she discovered her love for singing. Her passion for music led her to the music program at Korah C. & V. S. in Sault Ste. Marie for high school. Still in her teens, Crystal headed for Nashvillle, Tennessee where, after many struggles with racism and rejection, she landed a recording contract with RCA records. This venture produced a top 20 song on country radio and the highest selling album by a Native American in Neilsen Broadcast System history. Crystal's Anishinaabe roots are an important part of her music and can be heard loud and clear in her video "Pray, Sister Pray" about Missing And Murdered Indigenous Women in North America.
Juno award winning singer Crystal Shawanda speaks to Anishinaabe students at East View Public School in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada.