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By HEIDI GRZESINA Staff Writer Like a phoenix, from the ashes of a life of crime, rises a life based in music, acting and promoting anti-drug, anti-gang and positive lifestyles.
“There is a prophecy that speaks of the Phoenix Rising. It is said that the Phoenix will rise from within Mother Earth and it will be a time of healing and unity for all of humanity,” says Shawn Bernard on his website, http://www.nativetalent.net/feenix.html.  FEENIX (Shawn Bernard) wins the best rap or hip-hop award at the Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards in November. Photo by Heidi Grzesina Last November, at the Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards, FEENIX won the award for best rap or hip-hop album for On Tha Rise. His lyrics speak of the broken dreams brought on by smoking crack and other drug use, alcoholism, denial and of “thinking while you’re going down.” “I want Native youth to know that crime isn’t worth it,” says Bernard in his acceptance speech. “I left a life of crime and I now have a life of respect that allows me to give back to my community.” “Now his music speaks to all of humanity. FEENIX is about inspiration, motivation, believing in yourself and giving back to the community,” says his press release. Based in Edmonton, Alta., FEENIX has completed two music videos and has starred in a National Film Board production of his life and recovery called Walking Alone, airing on CBC. The video of Fly So High with Shawn Bernard featuring Mother Peace, DJ CreeAsian and B-Boyz from Freshly Squeezed is available on You Tube. “I was involved in gangs and drugs. Now I want the youth to know there is a better way,” says Bernard. When he is not acting, singing or spending time with family, he is caring for the youth he feels so passionately about, he says. |
