COVID-19 Awareness Campaign: Sheadyn Croft

PABLO – Driven by concerns that young people may not be responding to COVID-19 prevention guidelines, a committee of tribal leaders created an innovative social media campaign last spring aimed at teens. The purpose of the CSKT COVID Youth Community Care and Awareness Campaign is to create a culturally relevant COVID-19 awareness message for Flathead Reservation youth.

The campaign began in June with a spotlight on Artie Mendoza III, who made himself heard among the younger crowd. His words reached local musician Sheadyn Croft.

“I seen Artie making music and putting on for the Rez, then that’s when I realized it all starts here and I love our Rez I want to make it an amazing place,” Croft said. “I really love that I was able to be brought into this campaign so I can help the people and our youth spread awareness of the COVID sickness, it’s not a joke. I don’t want to lose anybody or have this place turn even worse. We live on a reservation where our elders mean everything to us and this sickness targets elders.”

Croft, 18, grew up in Ronan and spent some time in Arizona before returning his junior year to attend Two Eagle River School. He’s enrolled at Salish Kootenai College, where he studies business management.

“I’ve always loved music, but I never seen myself making music. I think it all started when I was in middle school just rapping in my head or when I’m with my friends we would play around and try spitting some bars. I wanted to have a big voice in this world to try help people and show them they can be whatever they want, they just have to do it.

“The younger generation I don’t think realizes how important it is to wear your mask and wash your hands to help prevent this. They’d rather think it’s cool to still go out and party rather than focus on stuff that will better them in life, help make an impact in the future. I want to let them know that we have to do this not just for ourselves but for our tribe.”

Check out Sheadyn Croft online at:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/dubzc06

Sound Cloud: https://soundcloud.com/sheadyn-croft-564851952?ref=clipboard&p=i&c=1

YouTube: https://m.youtube.com/channel/UC_6UY99K4wLdn0fJd3Hd3kg

Instagram: https://instagram.com/dubzc06?igshid=zdh4placg6fw