This album is dedicated to all the elders and ancestors who dared to dream the dream of keeping our culture and language strong while taking control of our education, to all of those who work to make that dream come true, and to the children who will have to work even harder to make it come true for their children.
Background
Atlantic Canada's First Nation Help Desk (firstnationhelp.com) holds monthly contests during the school year to encourage students and to help teachers and parents create "teachable moments." Monthly contests are open to all students in First Nation Schools and to First Nation students in provincial schools throughout Atlantic Canada and the Gaspe Region.
The artwork in this booklet was created by Native students in our November 2000 contest, "Christmas Art". The Help Desk's December 2000 contest, Aboriginal Christmas Music, stated, "It is our hope to release an Aboriginal language Christmas music CD at the next Treaty Day Celebration." That dream will be fulfilled!
This high-quality, professionally recorded album includes many recognizable songs and original compositions by accomplished Mi'kmaw musicians and students. Printed song sheets with Mi'kmaw lyrics and English translations are included as a resource for children of all ages to learn and enjoy!
We believe that the lyrics and music of this cd will be a resource for years to come. We hope that it is only the beginning of many innovative and exciting projects. Check our web site to see what is new!
