Walter and Samantha will be performing ‘Bear Love’ with the Mount Royal Wind Ensemble. Originally composed by Walter White Bear, a Cree singer-songwriter and storyteller, with words by Samantha Whelan Kotkas, a storyteller and musician, it was adapted for concert band by Calgary educator Jay Michalak. ‘Bear Love’ is drawn from the larger work ‘Wandering with Wonder’, created by Samantha Whelan Kotkas. It tells the story of Wonder, a young girl who loses her song and journeys through the natural world to find it again—with the help of Bear.

This arrangement offers students a rich opportunity to explore identity, belonging, and connection through music by working with Sam and Walter in a collaborative and inspiring setting. The instrumentation includes Indigenous courting flute played by Walter, narration and trumpet solo performed by Samantha, and sweeping textures that invite students into meaningful reflection.

 Thank you to CADME for their support of this project.