Language ~ Sound recordings

The medium of sound can convey an atmosphere while allowing space for imagination. Because it is more discret and less intimidating than a camera, the sound recorder enabled me to record moments of cultural expression, listening to the voices honoring the circle of life and appreciating the gifts of Mother Earth. I wish these recordings to bring an intimate insight into the Atikamekw, Wolastok and Abenaki cultures, adding a layer of perception into the diversity of languages and identities of these Nations.

Pimatisiwin ~ Atikamekw song

Tapwe mirowacin . Pimatisiwin . Weweta e kanawapataman

It's true, it's beautiful . Life . When I look at it closely

C'est vrai, c'est beau . La vie . Quand je la regarde avec attention

Wolastoq ~ Maliseet song

Wolastoq* is going, flowing and growing . Wolastoq is flowing down to the sea
Mother, carry me, a child I will always be . Mother, carry me, a child I will always be

Wolastoq se déverse, se déverse et se rétreint . Wolastoq se déverse dans l'océan
Mère-Terre porte moi, un enfant je resterai . Mère-Terre porte moi, un enfant je resterai

Wolastoq pomaloqey, acide bumigo . Wolastoq pomaloqey, solbeq olomiya
Nikuwoss bumiphin wasis oc nil oskomiw Nikuwoss bumiphin wasis oc nil oskomiw

*the river, la rivière

Green corn song

Ya-a ha nigawé . Ya nigawé ya nigawé . Ya-a ha nigawé Onn8legué kway haï ha wané - o . Onn8legué kway haï ha wané - o

Yawihané

Yahawihané, yahawihané
Yawihané hé ha . hawihané Yawihané hé ha . hawihané

These sounds were recorded by Louise Romain in the summer of 2016.

Pimatisiwin was recorded on the first night of the pow-wow of Odanak. Young and old had gathered around the huge fire and, in this moment of celebration, singers from Wemotaci were praising the force of life. But the first time I heard this song was in the movie Before the Streets.

Wolastoq was recorded during the Fête des Deux Nations in Cacouna, Quebec. Drummers from the Madawaska First Nation came from New Brunswick to perform traditional songs and dances. I'm incredibly thankful for the help of Ivanie Aubin-Malo and Allan Tremblay for the transcription of the Wolastoq lyrics. Here you can also watch a video of the celebration! The amazing composer and vocalist Jeremy Dutcher is a young Wolastoq engaged in the revitalization of his language. He merges classical music, linguistic reclamation and musical ethnography!

«The revitalization of music is a catalyst for the promotion of culture more generally, as well as language and indigenous ways of living and knowing. I believe song is a critical method of language and value learning and, by extension, a specifically Wolastoqiyik worldview. Traditional Wolastoq songs are no longer sung here and it is my greatest desire to change that.» Source: *

Both Green corn song and Yawihané were recorded during the pow-wow of Wôlinak, Abenaki community. The first song is to celebrate seeds and harvests, specifically of corn. The second one honours bravery, war and creation. I would like to thank the Abenaki women of Noji Pakholiskwak for including me in some their singing circles, and for offering me their book of songs, from which I found the transcription of the songs.