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FEBRUARY 2024

SPOTLIGHT

Learning Traditional Languages Through Song

10 ways music helps you learn a language

When you learn a new language, you also learn about a culture and its people. To really understand a language, you need to understand its people. Music is one of the best ways to do this. It’s an art form — like literature or classical art — that can teach you so much about a group of people and their customs. It’s a window into what makes people in that culture tick…

TRADITIONAL SONGS - COOL FACTS!

• Indigenous social and ceremonial music is a blend of drumming, singing and dancing.

• First Nations, Inuit and Metis people have diverse musical genres and styles across Turtle Island (North America) Music is an important part of the daily life and spiritual beliefs of many of Canada’s Indigenous peoples.

• Traditional songs belonged to a society, clan, rite, ceremony or individual. Some songs are composed by an individual, and some songs are received in a vision or dream. Traditional songs are passed on from one person to the next within the rich history of oral traditions.

• Certain songs are sacred and may only be performed for very specific parts of ceremonies. Ceremonies were once banned by the Indian Act, but today, First Nations, Inuit and Metis people are recovering and reviving the knowledge, history and traditions of music and musical instruments.



• Traditional Inuit music was used as entertainment, as a game, as a means of story telling, as well as during certain ceremonies. The music is mainly based on the sound of drums and the singing and chanting of the Inuit themselves.

YouTube - Listen to "The Sounds of First Nations in Canada"

The Benefits of Learning to Sing in a Different Language

When singing in a different language, we automatically try to reproduce the sound and tone of what we hear, and our accent is less pronounced than when we speak. Watching music videos of songs can also help teach the shapes learners need to make in order to generate the right sound.. View Using music and song to inspire your language learners

MORE FUN SONGS FOR CHILDREN!

Youtube - Studio K Video Cottonball Learns to Throat Sing with The Jerry Cans

YouTube - Napi's Rope - The Rainbow Song in Blackfoot

Napi's Rope is a children's song of the Blackfoot people in the Southern Alberta region. The song names the colors of the rainbow.

TWEENS AND TEENS

Spend some quality time with the youth in your care. Listen to & enjoy some great Indigenous music and expand your cultural horizons together!

Listen to Beatrice Deer and Pauyungie Nutaraaluk Throat Singing Throat singing is part of a fun game imitating the sounds of nature. Two people sing together, and the person who doesn’t miss a beat or laugh wins!

Youtube - "Nikamo" by Burnstick: learn how to sing and perform our Indigenous Language Song "'Nikamo' means to sing, to sing out," explains Burnstick. "This is a song about celebrating our mom and our dad and telling them that we are here and we love them. It's really about giving thanks to all that they've given you."

Music project builds self-esteem for northeast Alberta Indigenous youth

Indigenous youth from the Lakeland region released a five-track EP, followed by a performance at the National Music Centre in Calgary.

 Video - Listen to the title track 'Moments' by Nikamo Collective 

Many of the students have expressed they want to continue with the project. In May of 2024, KNDT intends to bring the group together to develop new songs... Read Full Article from Lakeland Today

INDIGENOUS PLAYLISTS

Apple Music Indigenous Now

A playlist dedicated to new Indigenous music from across North America.

Spotify – Indigenous Canada Playlist Indigenous Canada

A playlist celebrating the music of Indigenous Canadians. This playlist is curated on the Unceeded Territory of the Coast Salish Peoples.

CBC Music Playlist Indigenous Canada – CBC Listen From roots and rock to hip hop and hand drums – Canadian

Indigenous music is an invite to a cultural experience across all genres. 

POWWOW, CEREMONIAL & TRADITIONAL SONGS

Alexander Street database Smithsonian Global Sound  has a collection of streaming music anthologies from powwow music to ceremonial and traditional songs.

Spirit Bear Award Nominations are Open for 2024!  The Spirit Bear Award is named in honour of the Spirit Bear, who is a symbol of reconciliation and equity for kids. The Spirit Bear Award is awarded to groups of young people who demonstrate their commitment to reconciliation and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action. This year, three awards of $500 will be given to groups of young people to use as they would like toward their activities or simply to celebrate! Learn more or nominate here

Video - Spirit Bear A Love We Know Theme Song

International Peace Pow-Wow and Festival Feb 24 - 25, 2024

10:00 AM - 8:00 PM Lethbridge

Online - Rematriating and Revitalizing Kinship Ties with the Buffalo Feb 28, 2024, 01:00 PM In this webinar, we will delve into the narratives and teachings surrounding the rekindling of our relationship with the Buffalo. Glenda will take us on a personal journey of transforming theoretical kinship teachings into real-life connections with Buffalo prophecy and cultural lifeways.

2024 Arctic Winter Games March 10-16, 2024

Indigenous Peoples Experience Fall & Winter Admission This fall & winter, Fort Edmonton Park Saturdays and Sundays through March 24, 2024. Fort Edmonton Park invites you to gather and explore life through the diversity of First Nations and Métis peoples. The award-winning exhibit explores the rich and beautiful cultures of First Nations and Métis Peoples while encouraging visitors to seek out the truths as lived by Indigenous Peoples in Treaty 6. Learn More Here

Jordan's Principle Scholarship 2024 Applications Now Open! 

Named in loving memory of Jordan River Anderson, the Jordan's Principle Scholarship will be awarded to First Nations students studying children’s holistic health and well-being.

Shannen’s Dream Scholarship Applications for 2024 are now open! The Shannen’s Dream Scholarship is named in honour of Shannen Koostachin, a courageous young leader from Attawapiskat First Nation who sparked a national movement for safe and comfy schools for First Nations students. Deadline: March 31, 2024, at 11:59 PM ET. 

Learning Centre Of Literacy FREE Cree Language Learning Join Kohkom Kathy Hamelin, Community Grandmother and Advocate, Monday and Wednesday evenings online or at the Orange Hub to learn Plains Cree in the y-dialect, using SRO, syllabics, and oral teachings.

Bent Arrow Feeding Our Spirit March 21, 2023 - 11:00 am - 2:00 pm Edmonton Experience the transformative and healing power of food and its connection to our spirit as you join Kokum Patty in preparing a delicious meal. Secure your spot by registering today - don't miss out on this opportunity to nourish your body and soul. Please note that childcare will not be provided. See Kikosewin Family Programs Winter Program Brochure

Bent Arrow TOONIE SWIM @ EASTGLEN LEISURE CENTRE Edmonton Are you looking for a refreshing way to meet new people and enjoy the water? Join Bent Arrow at Eastglen Pool for a fun-filled afternoon of swimming. For just $2, you can dive into the pool and make new friends. Don't miss out on this chance to connect with others while splashing in the water. Call now to register, and Bent Arrow will cover your fee. See KIKOSEWIN FAMILY RESOURCE NETWORK YOUTH Program Guide

Bent Arrow TUESDAY DROP-IN @ FURTHER EDUCATION IN ST. ALBERT MALL Every Tuesday, January 9 - March 26, 3:30 - 5:00 pm, Ages 13-17 yrs Experience fun and friendships with this new drop-in program! Join us for exciting board games, challenging puzzles, enriching indigenous teachings, and engaging crafts. Satisfy your taste buds with delicious snacks while you come and go as you, please. Don't miss this opportunity to have a great time and make unforgettable memories! See KIKOSEWIN FAMILY RESOURCE NETWORK YOUTH Program Guide

Bent Arrow Sunday Funday EPL February 25, 1:30 pm–3:00 pm EPL Sprucewood April 28, 2024 1:30 pm–3:00 pm EPL Sprucewood May 26, 20241:30pm to 3:00 pm EPL Sprucewood

Join Bent Arrow at the library once a month for family fun with songs, stories, games, crafts and activities. This drop-in class is presented in partnership with Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society - Kikosewin Family Resource Network.

Online nêhiyawêwin (Cree Language) Classes in Collaboration with the Canadian Native Friendship Centre February 28, 2024

6:00 pm–8:00 pm Online Whether you want to reconnect to your ancestral language or learn a language from the territory, this is the class for you. This class is offered in partnership with the Canadian Native Friendship Centre and is suitable for beginners and those with previous language knowledge. See Additional Available Dates

EPL In-Person nêhiyawêwin (Cree Language) Classes - Canadian Native Friendship Centre Edmonton February 26, 2024, 6:00 pm–8:00 pm Highlands Library Whether you want to reconnect to your ancestral language or learn a language from the territory, this is the class for you. This class is offered in partnership with the Canadian Native Friendship Centre and is suitable for beginners and those with previous language knowledge. See Additional Available Dates

EPL Spring Break Starts Here: Métis Finger Weaving March 26, 2024, 2:00 pm–3:00 pm Riverbend Library March 27, 2024, 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm Mill Woods

Learn about the history of the Métis sash and try your hand at the art of finger weaving! All materials supplied.

Trellis Society The Iiyika’kimaat Program Calgary

The word Iiyika’kimaat, which means “to try hard” in Blackfoot, was gifted to the agency after consultation with elders. The Iiyika’kimaat program provides Indigenous youth, aged 12-21 years, an opportunity to reach their full potential through culturally-relevant and leadership-specific components and activities. 

ABORIGINAL FRIENDSHIP CENTER OF CALGARY YOUTH & FAMILY DRUMMING (AFC CALGARY) On the third Wednesday of every month, from 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM, youth aged 6-17 years come together with their parents/guardians to learn the fundamentals of the drum and to learn how to sing and drum as part of a group.

YMCA Calgary Indigenous Programs to support Indigenous children, youth and families with cultural identity, leadership, recreation and connections to Calgary’s urban Indigenous communities. Indigenous Active Life Drop-In Program Thursdays | 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. Saddletowne YMCA

Join other youth and young adults (ages 12-30) for basketball, swimming, cardio, and more! This program is free with full facility access during designated times. Grab a friend for some active, social fun. Indigenous Drum & Dance Mondays | 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Saddletowne YMCA Calgary

Bring your family for a weekly Drum and Dance drop-in night. Learn or brush-up your skills in Pow Wow dance styles, drumming and Indigenous culture. Program Elder and male and female dance instructors will keep the sessions engaging and fun for participants of all ages and levels. Drum and Dance is an excellent way to keep active, build community and stay connected with Indigenous culture.

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