Students and staff from across the Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB) had the opportunity to engage in a powerful and reflective learning experience through the Music as Medicine songwriting workshop, led by Mohawk singer-songwriter Logan Staats.
Working with Indigenous students from selected schools, as well as staff at the Education Centre, Logan created a welcoming and supportive environment where participants were encouraged to explore creativity as a pathway to healing.
Through a series of songwriting exercises and song-building activities, participants learned how to express emotions such as fear, grief, and sadness in meaningful and constructive ways. No prior musical experience was required; participants were encouraged to reflect, share and create.
Logan's approachable style in storytelling helped participants feel at ease, encouraging them to share their own stories, poems, and perspectives. Drawing on personal experiences, he shared songwriting tips and emphasized the importance of reframing perspective.
Reflecting on his song, "I Wish I Knew Your Name," Logan described an experience he had as a young person which later became, with time and understanding, a powerful symbol of love and connection.
This experiential student and staff learning experience reflects WRDSB's commitment to supporting student well-being, centring Indigenous voices, and creating spaces where storytelling, creativity, and identity are honoured.
