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Social Science Native American Studies

Aboriginal Music in Contemporary Canada

Echoes and Exchanges

by (author) Anna Hoefnagels & Beverley Diamond

Publisher
McGill-Queen's University Press
Initial publish date
Feb 2012
Category
Native American Studies
  • Hardback

    ISBN
    9780773539518
    Publish Date
    Feb 2012
    List Price
    $55.00

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Recommended Age, Grade, and Reading Levels

  • Age: 16
  • Grade: 11

Description

First Nations, Inuit, and Métis music in Canada is dynamic and diverse, reflecting continuities with earlier traditions and innovative approaches to creating new musical sounds. Aboriginal Music in Contemporary Canada narrates a story of resistance and renewal, struggle and success, as indigenous musicians in Canada negotiate who they are and who they want to be. Comprised of essays, interviews, and personal reflections by Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal musicians and scholars alike, the collection highlights themes of innovation, teaching and transmission, and cultural interaction. Individual chapters discuss musical genres ranging from popular styles including country and pop to nation-specific and intertribal practices such as powwows, as well as hybrid performances that incorporate music with theatre and dance. As a whole, this collection demonstrates how music is a powerful tool for articulating the social challenges faced by Aboriginal communities and an effective way to affirm indigenous strength and pride. Juxtaposing scholarly study with artistic practice, Aboriginal Music in Contemporary Canada celebrates and critically engages Canada's vibrant Aboriginal music scene. Contributors include Véronique Audet (Université de Montreal), Columpa C. Bobb (Tsleil Waututh and Nlaka'pamux, Manitoba Theatre for Young People), Sadie Buck (Haudenosaunee), Annette Chrétien (Métis), Marie Clements (Métis/Dene), Walter Denny Jr. (Mi'kmaw), Gabriel Desrosiers (Ojibwa, University of Minnesota, Morris), Beverley Diamond (Memorial University), Jimmy Dick (Cree), Byron Dueck (Royal Northern College of Music), Klisala Harrison (University of Helsinki), Donna Lariviere (Algonquin), Charity Marsh (University of Regina), Sophie Merasty (Dene and Cree), Garry Oker (Dane-zaa), Marcia Ostashewski (Cape Breton University), Mary Piercey (Memorial University), Amber Ridington (Memorial University), Dylan Robinson (Stó:lo, University of Toronto), Christopher Scales (Michigan State University), Gilles Sioui (Wendat), Gordon E. Smith (Queen's University), Beverly Souliere (Algonquin), Janice Esther Tulk (Memorial University), Florent Vollant (Innu) and Russell Wallace (Lil'wat).

About the authors

Anna Hoefnagels is associate professor of music in the School for Studies in Art and Culture at Carleton University.

Anna Hoefnagels' profile page

Beverley Diamond is Associate Professor of Music, Associate Dean of Fine Arts, and Director of the Graduate Program in Music at York University. She has done extensive research on music, particularly in Canada, and has published widely.

Beverley Diamond's profile page

Editorial Reviews

"The editors' astute coordinating of the changing views and practices of Canada's Aboriginal music aesthetics makes this a benchmark study. Summing Up: Highly recommended." CHOICE

Librarian Reviews

Aboriginal Music in Contemporary Canada: Echoes and Exchanges

This collection of academic essays, interviews and artists’ personal reflections explores multiple views of Aboriginal music interpretation. By considering how tradition informs modern cultural expression and the complexities and considerations of the performance and teaching of Aboriginal forms, the pieces create a complex exploration of the impacts of Aboriginal music on particular First Nation communities and the dominant cultural community. Writers included range from ethnography academics to musical and dance artists, to those involved in production using modern technology. Subjects addressed include ownership of songs and dances, effects of recording powwow competitions, and urban and rural hip hop artists.

Source: The Association of Book Publishers of BC. Canadian Aboriginal Books for Schools. 2012-2013.

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