For many generations the Mi'kmaq people have passed on their language and
Christian teachings through the gift of music. Today this aspect of our
oral tradition is declining. Most of the hymns on this CD were taught
to us by our respected elders that have passed on to the spirit world.
Some of these hymns would be lost if not for the help of the late
Wilfred Prosper who took the time to sit with me (Arlene Stevens) and
read these hymns, word for word, and recorded himself on tape so that
we could learn these valuable teachings and pass them on. Another
person instrumental in teaching us these hymns was the late Sarah Denny
who did it with such grace and humility. This recording is tribute to
all Mi'kmaw elders as a token of thanks and appreciation for keeping
these hymns a part of our culture to this day. Therefore, it is in this
spirit of thanks that we present this CD to the next generation of
Mi'kmaw to be used as an educational tool in the preservation of our
culture.
Many thanks to: Kevin Burton for finding the funding to do this project
so that we could preserve this part of our culture; Thomas Johnson and
Robert Stevens who were so helpful in the studio, their input and
advice was instrumental in providing a quality product; Vivian Jeddore
who has been patient and encouraging during this recording; The
Musicians who freely gave up their time and talent to the creation of
this project; Pauline Bernard who translated "O Holy Night" into our
Mi'kmaw language; Jamie Foulds for his expertise and hospitality and
playing keyboards where needed; the Eskasoni Holy Family Choir and the
Children's Choir; the Mi'kmaq people who waited patiently and prayed
for the success of this project; and anyone who I have forgotten to
mention here. Last but not least, we would like to thank our families
for allowing us to spend countless number of hours in the studio.
Recorded and mixed by Jamie Foulds at Soundpark Studios, Sydney, NS
Produced by Arlene Stevens, Thomas Johnson, Robert Stevens
Graphics design and Layout by Thomas Johnson
Photographs of elders Arlene Stevens, Kenny Prosper
All songs traditional except for track 12 "And then we heard a baby cry" written by Rita Joe
Funding for this project was provided from Heritage Canada, Aboriginal
Languages Initiative through Atlantic Canada's First Nation Help Desk.
Manufacturing funded by Holy Family Parish, Eskasoni, NS, Canada.