Prayers in a Song – The Ways – PBS Wisconsin Education

How are language and culture informed by location?

In “Prayers in a Song” Minneapolis-based hip-hop artist Tall Paul (Paul Wenell Jr.) raps about his struggle to learn his indigenous language, Anishinaabemowin. Learn about his journey toward a deeper understanding of his Native identity.

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Questions to consider

What themes did you hear about in Tall Paul’s song? Do you think these themes are universal or unique to Tall Paul’s life?

If you wrote a song or poem about your identity and community, what themes and experiences would you explore?

A sense of place

Map with outlines of tribal lands of the Great Lakes region circa 1800. The star indicates the present-day seat of government for the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, in Cass Lake, Minnesota. A dotted white line indicates the present day state lines of Wisconsin.

This map outlines tribal lands of the Great Lakes region circa 1800.

The star indicates the present-day seat of government for the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, in Cass Lake, Minnesota.

In their words

“I feel the latent effects of assimilation, inner city Native raised by bright lights skyscrapers.”

Tall Paul

Production credits

Producer
Finn Ryan

Videography
David Nevala

Editing
David Nevala

Photography
David Nevala

Motion Graphics
Art & Sons
Tilt Media

Music
“Prayers in a Song” by Tall Paul

Instrumental Production
Mike Frey

Essay Editing
Sheila Regan

Advisors
David O’ Connor
Aaron Bird Bear
Ryan Comfort
Tyler Blue Tarpalechee
Ben Grignon