Co-Ed Song

The Co-Ed song

As this is a song dear to my heart, the Co-Ed song from the Leon family, I thought I would begin this page with it. It is filmed in a traditional Longhouse, a community building used for ceremonies, prayers and at times resolution of conflicts. I was told that at times, man and wife who were arguing would be put in the longhouse and would stay in it until their conflicts were resolved. The community would bring them food and take care of their needs to allow the couple to resolve their issues. They would only re-emerge once that was done.

long house

In this video (above), you see dancers and singers, men and women, working together. The song, as its named implies, is a song about cooperation between the people. It is a song about equality, cooperation and sharing. It represents the absence of inferiority and superiority, as we are equals and related. As we can also see, men and women dance together, women dancing when the men are singing, supporting and appreciating one and another.

This song is sang here by the Coast Salish peoples, native to the Pacific Northwest coast. It is a song from the Leon family, who need to be recognized for their contribution. They shared it on YouTube and it is an honor to hear it and sing it. I had the pleasure of being in that particular longhouse and I still remember the comforting smell (a woodsy, earthy and herbal smell). Although sang in a slightly different way, I also remember this song being sung by the singers from the Fraser Valley who were there (I do not remember their nation however), such beautiful voices. Watching this video brings back those memories. The memories of the powerful songs, each with a different meaning. Songs sung in a west coast style. As we will later cover, different nations, different styles. But what really does it for me, is to see the dancers, especially the first one who starts dancing (the one with the hoodie). Such freedom in his movements, such happiness he conveys. Just looking at him makes me smile and warms my heart. His soul comes alive. This is just my experience with the song. Might not be everyone’s. But it is a song that has significance for me.

If you are interested in West Coast art and products in particular, including cool jewelry please check out this page or click on the image below for all kinds of Native arts. 

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All my Relations

23 thoughts on “Co-Ed Song”

  1. Jason

    Very good video. I think the world could use a few more songs about equality, cooperation and sharing. I checked out your link to the Native Arts, and that looks like a cool store.

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  2. Lukas

    I love the video! I was always interested in this kind of music but never seen anything like this. Definitely full of truth. More posts like this please 🙂

    Lukas

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    1. Emily Post author

      hi Lukas
      I am so glad you enjoyed it! It is one of my favorite songs ever and I sing it all the time. Such a beautiful message too

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  3. Johnathan Tarter

    Very beautiful and touching video and song! The Co-Ed song is a certainly one of my favorite songs now! There definitely should be more songs out there of this nature and tone. Their culture is so inspiring and is something the rest of the world should strive towards! Thank you for sharing this! 🙂

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    1. Emily Post author

      hi Johnathan
      so happy to hear you like the song! I can’t say enough how much I love it. The song just makes me smile. We could certainly use more traditional songs 🙂

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  5. Yvonne

    Hi Emily, It’s the first time that I’m seeing and hearing this traditional song. It is an eye-opener. I see what you mean by it being a song of equality , cooperation and sharing. The men and women are taking turns to sing and dance to this soothing song.

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    1. Emily Post author

      Yes Yvonne that’s absolutely right. It balances it out. The ying and yang. We balance each other for sure. I love this song. I sing it all the time 🙂

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  6. Tara

    I Really enjoyed the video , The song is great I really enjoy watching the dancing also. I love listening to Native American music It’s soothing.

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  7. Carmen

    Hi Emily, I love your positive message and unique coverage of an often misunderstood culture. The song and dance are mesmerizing, providing a beautiful representation of community and synchronicity. What resonated with me even more was your discussion about the longhouse. I know a few couples currently in conflict that could use this kind of community support. It makes me sad to think they do not have and will never have resources like that. Hopefully, I am wrong about the latter.

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    1. Emily Post author

      hi Carmen!
      thanks for visiting!
      It is a misunderstood world and way of living. But such a beautiful one. The longhouse is a powerful place for sure. And it can be helpful. I think healing is happening though.

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    1. Emily Post author

      Hi
      glad you enjoy it! It is a wonderful song that I absolutely love hearing and seeing. Thank you for asking about permission, not many people do. When I sang the song, it was with a member of the Leon family who had given permission. Otherwise, I do not think it is to be shared publicly. thank you

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      1. Tsumkwatun

        Oh siem, makes sense and something I should’ve known, but always great to have reminders. Always glad we can learn and grow, and help each other

        Hay ch qa

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