Chief Cliff Singers Drum Group release song for COVID-19 campaign

The Chief Cliff Singers Drum Group has been around for many years and now they are joining the COVID-19 Youth Campaign. Their new song, “You Stay Way Over There, I’ll Stay Way Over Here,” speaks about social distancing.

Alec Lefthand of Dayton, was the original drum carrier/lead singer for Chief Cliff Singers.

He retired in the late 1970s and handed the drum down to Michel (Mike) Kenmille of Elmo. Mike took the drum all over and worked on various projects including a trip to Norway and a Jazz CD Collaboration with Don Pullen.

hat was with Mike’s first group of singers, all of which are family in some way. His next group of singers was made up mostly by his nephews and son. This particular group was invited to Vancouver, B.C. Canada to perform at the 2000 Winter Olympics.

Today the group, is made up of Mike’s younger family members.

In the song,”You Stay Way Over There, I’ll Stay Way Over Here” the singers are:

Mike Kenmille- Drum Carrier/Lead Singer. Ksanka (Kootenai) - Elmo

Stan Kenmille- Ksanka (Kootenai) - Elmo (son)

Willie Andrew - Ksanka (Kootenai) - Elmo (son)

Bow Horn-Weasel- Assiniboine, Aaniiih & Cree- FT. Belknap - Hays (Son-in-Law)

Allie Kenmille Ksanka (Kootenai), Blackfeet - Elmo (Nephew)

Gabe Caye- Ksanka (Kootenai) - Elmo

Hunter Numkena- Ksanka (Kootenai), Blackfeet, Spokane and Hopi - Elmo (great nephew)

Elias Alexander- Ksanka (Kootenai), Tobacco Plains Kootenai & Salish - Polson (Nephew)

Marshall Doney- Assiniboine - FT. Belknap - Hays (friend of SIL)

Joey Quincy-Assiniboine - FT. Belknap - Hays (Friend of SIL)

Dancers in Video:

Audrey Kenmille 11yo Fancy Shawl Dancer Ksanka (Kootenai)- Elmo (Granddaughter)

Leland Perez 8yo Prairie Chicken Dancer - Ksanka (Kootenai) - Elmo (Great Great Nephew)

Song background by Mike Kenmille:

“The song ‘You Stay Way Over There, Ill Stay Way Over Here’ is a song about social distancing that I came up with a few months ago. As a drummer/singer, whether you realize it or not you’re constantly composing song after song, tune after tune, and finding meaning to it. That’s how this song came about. Just cruising around, thinking about what’s going on in the world today, and that’s what came to mind, songs-wise, after that all kinds of ideas started flowing for a video I wanted to record myself, I did it once a while back and kept wanting to redo it as new ideas came up. Then this opportunity came up!”

Driven by concerns that young people may not be responding to COVID-19 prevention guidelines, a committee of tribal leaders formed to discuss strategies which might raise the awareness among teens that they have the power to protect their elders. What emerged was an innovative social media campaign aimed at the ages of 12 to 18.

The first three artists utilized more contemporary styles to get their message across. The fourth release by the Pete Sisters draws heavily from their traditional Salish teachings in heartfelt songs. The campaign has featured other local artists including Kiid Truth, Foreshadow, Yvng Vin and the Pete Sisters who have all released original songs and videos that have drawn national attention.