Local musician fuels the soul

Years ago Chilaili Wachiwi was born into the Crow Nation. As a young girl she learned to express herself through music. At age five she learned how to play the flute. It was the music of her father and grandfather. It helped her through tough times and to focus on her future. She was an avid reader and an honor roll student. The flute became a part of her life. "I had my head in a book and I played my native flute," said Wachiwi, who lives in Trout Creek.

"There is a spiritual shift that is causing a division between people," Wachiwi said. Music has a spiritual healing ability that some people say has helped them, she commented. "In today's world many people are influenced by music that is not good for the soul. Music is geared for soothing the heart. It is like good food. It doesn't make them sick. It offers a sigh of relief. A lot of the other music doesn't give them what they need. It doesn't encourage them to make healthy choices and be accountable for their actions," Wachiwi said.

She is concerned about the future of the tribes and the age-old issue of missing indigenous women. "It's not just women any more. Children and men are going missing as well." Wachiwi says the reasons are primarily due to drugs, alcohol and abuse. "Kids simply walk away, and human trafficking," she added as the main reasons for their disappearances. "Human trafficking has been going on for centuries among all people. All over the U.S. and Canada disappearances happen due to violence, abductions, runaways, and poverty, which is a big key to this."

The foundational truths taught by the Red Road principals are lacking among the people today, Wachiwi says. "A warrior's word is his bond. Honesty, courage, bravery, steadfastness in protecting the community and environment around him, and teaching the children are what the Red Road stands for," she said.

"The times we are experiencing today are like we are all standing in the middle of a flood. I know when people are influenced by the generational fear and hatred that is common among everyone." There is an outreach of native crafters and artisans to raise food and awareness for children and elders.

Wachiwi spends a lot of time helping others. She helps at the senior centers in Trout Creek and Thompson Falls and donates to TRACS. She also assists young tribal members in learning about their heritage. "I like to help adopted native children keep in touch with their culture," she said. She has taught and provided for children with their regalia pieces for pow wows and the dance circuit. Wachiwi said she and her family have given aid to local people who have been victims of fires and have lost everything.

Wachiwi asks herself the question, "where do I go from here?" She says this not just for herself but for the benefit of others as well. "Music helps to open up the heart. God told me that he wants to reach the people who need help. Music is an opener for that spiritual connection," she reflected. It is up to people in regards to spirituality to make their own choices for the greater good. "I want to concentrate on the music and present listeners with a healing melody when they are hurting, offering everyone a peaceful experience in their day," she concluded.

Not all her music is calm. There are plenty of lively tunes with back up instruments and some singing that livens the mood. But the overall beat of drums and harmony with the flute creates a calming effect for its listeners. Wachiwi has toured the world playing her flute. She can be heard playing her flute at the Huckleberry Festival in Trout Creek each year. Vist her Facebook page at Chilaili Wachiwi Medicine Lodge Circle,