WHO: Quad City Arts Visiting Artist: Twin Flames, Indigenous Canadian Folk Duo

Jaaji, hailing from Nunavik and Kahnawake (Inuk, Mohawk) and Chelsey June Settler, with (Algonquin, Métis, and Cree heritage), deliver their songs in a blend of English, French, and Inuttitut. Together, they craft captivating sonic soundscapes by incorporating Indigenous spirit flutes, traditional drums, and Western instruments. Their genuine passion for songwriting shines through their lyrics and melodies, fascinating audiences worldwide. 

More Information about Twin Flames: https://www.marianliebowitz.com/twinflames

WHAT: Performing arts engagement called "Story Time with Twin Flames" where they read excerpts from their children's book, MAAKUSIE LOVES MUSIC, alternating with performances of songs.

WHEN/WHERE: March 24-28, 2025

Twin Flames will perform for all DCSD kindergarten students by doing one performance for each elementary school. Your principal will provide more details.                                                                     

HOW LONG: Standard 45-minute engagement

All Kindergarten teachers have received support from arts integration specialist, Christina Farrell, to connect the performance, book, and kindergarten social studies “Then and Now” curriculum topic together.

Iowa Kindergarten Social Studies Standards:

SS.K.6 Describe students’ roles in different groups of which they are members including

their family, school and community.

SS.K.7 Describe ways in which students and others are alike and different within a variety of social categories.

SS.K.14 Compare environmental characteristics in Iowa with other places.

Essential Questions:

• How do the Inuit use music to keep and share their community’s traditions?

• Why do you think it’s important to keep and share cultural traditions?

• How does the Arctic environment shape the stories, songs, dances, games and

activities of the Inuit? How do these things compare to life in Iowa?

AFTER THE PERFORMANCE: Students discussed the following questions. Support your students learning at home by asking them about their experience. 

• What instruments did you see in the Twin Flames performance?

• Can you find a picture of something you learned about during the performance?

• The book says, “Music is a language all on its own. It helps us to communicate and

understand each other.” What do you think this means? Can you give an example of how music helps us communicate with each other?