First Nations Songs
First Nations people who reside in Canada have diverse
cultural traditions that are reflected in their genres and styles of music. Interestingly,
their languages do not have a word for “music” since music is considered such a
fundamental aspect of their culture and daily existence(Encyclopedia of Music in Canada, 2012).
The purpose of Song
In the First Nations culture, song is the primary way in which to communicate with supernatural powers. Their music is rarely performed for its own sake; rather it is purposeful and meaningful. They sing to bring rain, to heal the sick or provide victory in a battle. Additionally, they have a song for each of their daily activities, hunting, gathering, or planting (Library and Archives Canada, 2009).
Songs are created either through nature or dreams and they express appreciation and gratitude for life and sustenance. Within the First Nations culture, there are three types of songs. Traditional songs, which address identity, social order, gender roles and territorial boundaries, are generally passed down from one person to the next through oral transmission. They belong to a specific individual, family, clan or nation. The second type of song is medicinal or ceremonial which are used for healing and purification. Finally, the more modern song represents the influence of the European culture (Library and Archives Canada, 2009).
First Nations songs are generally quite short; however, they are often repeated a number of times during a single performance. Songs are usually song in Native Aboriginal Languages, vocables ( meaningless syllables) or a combination of the two(Encyclopedia of Music in Canada, 2012).
Preservation of the Song
As mentioned earlier, the first nations song is very sacred; therefore, it was important that they were preserved from any exploitation or intrusion. Commercializing their art would disrupt their spiritual integrity and may cause harm to the individual itself or to their culture. Furthermore, they feared their songs could be misinterpreted by outside listeners which may also be detrimental to their people. Others believed that the preservation of song was important for future generations to hear and learn the traditional songs(Library and Archives Canada, 2009).
However, it was in the late 1800s that First Nations music was first recorded(Library and Archives Canada, 2009).
The purpose of Song
In the First Nations culture, song is the primary way in which to communicate with supernatural powers. Their music is rarely performed for its own sake; rather it is purposeful and meaningful. They sing to bring rain, to heal the sick or provide victory in a battle. Additionally, they have a song for each of their daily activities, hunting, gathering, or planting (Library and Archives Canada, 2009).
Songs are created either through nature or dreams and they express appreciation and gratitude for life and sustenance. Within the First Nations culture, there are three types of songs. Traditional songs, which address identity, social order, gender roles and territorial boundaries, are generally passed down from one person to the next through oral transmission. They belong to a specific individual, family, clan or nation. The second type of song is medicinal or ceremonial which are used for healing and purification. Finally, the more modern song represents the influence of the European culture (Library and Archives Canada, 2009).
First Nations songs are generally quite short; however, they are often repeated a number of times during a single performance. Songs are usually song in Native Aboriginal Languages, vocables ( meaningless syllables) or a combination of the two(Encyclopedia of Music in Canada, 2012).
Preservation of the Song
As mentioned earlier, the first nations song is very sacred; therefore, it was important that they were preserved from any exploitation or intrusion. Commercializing their art would disrupt their spiritual integrity and may cause harm to the individual itself or to their culture. Furthermore, they feared their songs could be misinterpreted by outside listeners which may also be detrimental to their people. Others believed that the preservation of song was important for future generations to hear and learn the traditional songs(Library and Archives Canada, 2009).
However, it was in the late 1800s that First Nations music was first recorded(Library and Archives Canada, 2009).