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It's June 1. Canada Day. And Canada needs to do some serious reflection on our history & our present -- what was done, what we're doing, & where we're going. Because we've got problems, like racism & in what our First Nations & Indigenous folk have been forced to endure.
& it's really messed up. We don't learn as much as we should, we don't know as much as we could & our governments piss me off for keeping people vulnerable -- won't even help to get clean water, ffs, or care that folks are missing/killed until there's enough of an uproar.
I've been humbled to attend powwows, which are so beautiful & powerful like their peoples. Full of life. Culture. Connection. There's a whole history & world that's been shoved aside and looked down upon. And don't even get me started on the awful schools. So much wrong done.
I'm no expert on this matter, but I'm learning. I'm also sorry for any mistakes I've made.
But with that in mind, I'm going to turn to something I *DO* know, and that's music.
We have
AMAZING Indigenous artists here, so I'm sharing a few of their tunes in this thread today.
But with that in mind, I'm going to turn to something I *DO* know, and that's music.
We have
AMAZING Indigenous artists here, so I'm sharing a few of their tunes in this thread today.
First up: Kashtin - Akua Tuta
Love, love, LOVE this song. The drums, the voices, the whole feel -- it's got such a great energy & vibe. Once I put it on, it stays on for a while.
Also noting: Kashtin is an Innu band from Québec https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kashtin
Love, love, LOVE this song. The drums, the voices, the whole feel -- it's got such a great energy & vibe. Once I put it on, it stays on for a while.
Also noting: Kashtin is an Innu band from Québec https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kashtin
Susan Aglukark - O Siem
A song that's joyful & it's stuck with me since my youth. She has such a lovely, uplifting voice.
Also noting: Susan is Iunk & from Nunavut https://www.susanaglukark.com
A song that's joyful & it's stuck with me since my youth. She has such a lovely, uplifting voice.
Also noting: Susan is Iunk & from Nunavut https://www.susanaglukark.com
Robbie Robertson - Ghost Dance
I could post RR's songs all day. THIS one makes me cry. It's history & spiritually wrapped up in a sad, touching call. Keeps the past close.
Also noting: Robbie is Mohawk & Cayuga from Ontario https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robbie_Robertson
I could post RR's songs all day. THIS one makes me cry. It's history & spiritually wrapped up in a sad, touching call. Keeps the past close.
Also noting: Robbie is Mohawk & Cayuga from Ontario https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robbie_Robertson
Buffy Sainte-Marie - Up Where We Belong
So, who knew about this version? And who knew Buffy co-wrote it? Surprise! And Buffy's still 100% doing her thing today.
Also noting: Buffy is from Piapot Cree Nation in Saskatchewan
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buffy_Sainte-Marie
So, who knew about this version? And who knew Buffy co-wrote it? Surprise! And Buffy's still 100% doing her thing today.
Also noting: Buffy is from Piapot Cree Nation in Saskatchewan
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buffy_Sainte-Marie
Robbie Robertson - Broken Arrow
I'm sharing this one because Rod Stewart's version is ALWAYS the one played but it's actually Robbie's song. Also: it makes more sense coming from Robbie, lyrically speaking. I much prefer this original.
I'm sharing this one because Rod Stewart's version is ALWAYS the one played but it's actually Robbie's song. Also: it makes more sense coming from Robbie, lyrically speaking. I much prefer this original.
iskwē - The Unforgotten (feat. Tanya Tagaq)
And now, for something a bit harder! Ladies be rocking those amazing voices.
iskwē is Cree & from Manitoba, while Tanya is an Inuk throat singer from Nunavut
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iskw%C4%93
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tanya_Tag
And now, for something a bit harder! Ladies be rocking those amazing voices.
iskwē is Cree & from Manitoba, while Tanya is an Inuk throat singer from Nunavut
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iskw%C4%93
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tanya_Tag
A Tribe Called Red - Medley w/ Tanya Tagaq & Black Bear Singers (Live at the 2017 JUNO Awards)
WATCH. IT.
That's all I can say, other than I really wish they could've just taken over the whole show.
WATCH. IT.
That's all I can say, other than I really wish they could've just taken over the whole show.
A Tribe Called Red - Sisters (feat. Northern Voice)
... because this list could use some EDM & these guys create PLENTY.
Also noting: A Tribe Called Red (ATCR) is an electronic music group from Ottawa -- mostly Mohawk & Cayuga First Nation.
... because this list could use some EDM & these guys create PLENTY.
Also noting: A Tribe Called Red (ATCR) is an electronic music group from Ottawa -- mostly Mohawk & Cayuga First Nation.
A Tribe Called Red - Stadium Pow Wow (feat. Black Bear)
Voices & dancers. I'm a sucker for both. Strong beats, fantastic singing. Love this vibe.
Voices & dancers. I'm a sucker for both. Strong beats, fantastic singing. Love this vibe.
And as this thread nears its end, a couple more from these lovely artists that just seem to fit with the state of things right now...
Susan Aglukark - One Turn Deserves Another
iskwē - Little Star
Susan Aglukark - One Turn Deserves Another
iskwē - Little Star
Robbie Robertson - Unbound
One of my top fave songs to ever exist. E V E R. I get chills. I want to cry. To dance. This song = endless inspiration. For thinking, for writing. I've listened to this 1000x since it came out & I'll listen to it till I die.
One of my top fave songs to ever exist. E V E R. I get chills. I want to cry. To dance. This song = endless inspiration. For thinking, for writing. I've listened to this 1000x since it came out & I'll listen to it till I die.
The final song, and ok, this isn't a Canadian group, but RR's worked w/ them. Ulali is a stunning singing group from the USA & this song is perfection.
Ulali - Mahk Jchi
But here's Ulali performing it live:
Ulali - Mahk Jchi
But here's Ulali performing it live:
... and that's the end of this thread. Anyone have any musical artists they'd like to add? Have any of your own favourites or songs that have really grabbed your attention? Drop the links on this tweet! Spread the love & talent. 
