The Canadian national orchestra’s return to Eskasoni First Nation marks a significant moment for Mi’kmaw artist Emma Stevens. Originally a volunteer at their last performance in the community, Stevens, now 23, will be showcasing her own music alongside the esteemed National Arts Centre Orchestra during their 100th tour.
Speaking from her home in Eskasoni, Cape Breton, Stevens expressed her excitement at sharing the beauty of Mi’kmaw language and music with a wider audience. Her rendition of the Beatles’ “Blackbird” in Mi’kmaw, which garnered global attention in 2019, was a collaborative effort with translators Katani Julian and Albert Golydada Julian, and her music teacher Carter Chiasson.
Since achieving viral success, Stevens has used her platform to raise awareness about Indigenous issues, focusing on language preservation and the plight of missing and murdered Indigenous women in Canada. Reconnecting with her Mi’kmaw roots, Stevens recently composed a song entirely in Mi’kmaw, a feat that brought her immense pride despite acknowledging her ongoing learning journey.
While her journey with the Mi’kmaw language has had its challenges due to English language influences at school, Stevens is determined to inspire younger generations to embrace and preserve their native tongue. Excited about her upcoming performances, she is set to captivate audiences with her Mi’kmaw rendition of “Blackbird” and an original piece, “The Ballad of Shubenacadie,” shedding light on the Canadian residential school system.
Joining Stevens on the orchestra’s tour is acclaimed Wolastoqiyik artist Jeremy Dutcher, a two-time Polaris Music Prize winner and a prominent figure in the Indigenous music scene. Dutcher, a member of Tobique First Nation in northern New Brunswick, expressed his admiration for Stevens and emphasized the celebration of music, language, and resilience that audiences can expect during the performances.
The collaboration between these two talented artists symbolizes a powerful union of traditional Indigenous music with symphonic voices, echoing the sentiments of elder Maggie Paul from Peskotomuhkati Nation, who envisioned a revitalization of old songs through orchestral interpretations.
As the National Arts Centre Orchestra brings this unique musical experience to Nova Scotia, the performances promise to be a celebration of Indigenous culture, language, and the enduring spirit of its people.
