Keynote performer Tia Wood graces CMU with soul and culture
Pop and Native singer Tia Wood sings her song 'Catch and Release' during her keynote performance, Wednesday, Nov. 13, in Plachta Auditorium. Tia got very into this song and some of the crowd members were in tears. (CM-Life | Zoey Morse)
Plachta Auditorium was filled with soulful music and the appreciation of Native culture as renowned Indigenous singer Tia Wood took the stage on the evening of Wednesday, Nov. 13.
Individuals of all ages and backgrounds gathered excitedly for the performance. Audience members wore colorful ribbon skirts and intricate jewelry, some adorned in beaded crowns.
The keynote performer for Central Michigan University's Native American Heritage Month, Wood was welcomed to the stage by CMU student Jasmine Cabarrubia.
Accompanied by guitarist Budda Foster, Wood serenaded the room with her hit songs, such as “Dirt Roads”, “Catch & Release” and “Losing Game”.
She also paid tribute to the song that inspired her love of music, Etta James’ “I Would Rather Go Blind.” Her rendition of James’ iconic anthem was sincere and powerful, evident through the expressions and enthusiastic yelps of the audience.
Wood sang more popular songs such as Chris Stapleton’s “Tennessee Whiskey” and Brooks & Dunn’s “Neon Moon”, before paying tribute to her roots.
Wood, from the Saddle Lake Cree Nation in Alberta, Canada, hails from a family of musical talent. Her father, Earl Wood, co-founded Northern Cree, a JUNO Award-winning and Grammy-nominated powwow drum group. Cynthia Jim, Wood’s mother, was a member of an all-women drum group. Her sister, Fawn Wood, is also a renowned singer, winning a JUNO award for Traditional Indigenous Artist of the Year in 2022.
Wood performed traditional Cree songs composed by her father “from back home” using only a rattle-like instrument and her voice.
Between songs, Wood described her experience leaving the Reservation that she called home to pursue her musical dreams in Nashville and Los Angeles.
“It was probably the most scary decision I’ve ever made,” Wood said.
Without Indigenous representation in mainstream music, she said she never thought that she could make the music that she does today.
Despite her struggles and homesickness, she stayed in Los Angeles.
“I’m glad I did it, because I actually became the first Indigenous woman signed to Sony,” Wood said.
Wood’s fans were ecstatic to witness her CMU performance, as was true for sisters Raegan and Tayla Sizemore. Loyal fans of her music, the sisters were deeply moved by Wood’s performance.
Tia Wood, right, preforms her song 'Sky High' with her guitarist Budda Foster, left, during her keynote performance, Wednesday, Nov. 13, in Plachta Auditorium. (CM-Life | Zoey Morse)
“It just spoke to me," Raegan said. "I kind of teared up a couple of times. It makes my heart glow."
Being of the Anishinaabe people, the Sizemore’s appreciate Wood’s representation of Indigenous culture in the media.
“It just means a lot to see somebody who’s a part of your community doing a lot for your culture," Raegan said. "There’s some little kids who don’t see a lot of people like that on TV and I’m sure it means a lot for them too.”
Another fan in attendance was Myeengan Syrette, who is also from Wood’s home of the Saddle Lake Cree Nation. Syrette is a CMU student and MAC scholar who is involved with both The North American Indigenous Student Organization (NAISO) and the Office of Indigenous Affairs.
Syrette said Wood's performance was "awesome" and "healing” for him.
“(These events) bring everyone together, not only the students, but they bring the Rez (and) the people from the Rez. It’s a nice little blending,” Syrette said.
