September 30 is National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada. It’s a day that pays tribute to residential school survivors, the Indigenous communities and the children who never returned home.
I’m not an expert in Canadian politics or the history of residential schools across the country. However, I am familiar with some music by remarkable Indigenous artists.
The first example I’ll share to honour Indigenous music is the beautiful music of Indigenous musician and broadcaster Elisapie. I discovered her music a few years ago when I heard her rendition of Queen’s 1984 single I Want to Break Free. She translated it into her native language, Inuktitut. Although I can’t speak Inuktitut, I could feel those profound emotions. I also heard a rendition of the Cranberries’ single Dreams.
Elisapie’s voice is phenomenal. She sings each with heart and soul. When she sings those amazing songs in Inuktitut, the meaning and vibe change. She honours those tunes and puts her spin on them. It’s impressive how much emotion Elisapie conveys with each song. Her music is rich in poetry.
I look forward to honouring music by Indigenous artists each year on September 30.
Flora Youssef.
