Pierriche Falcon: The Michif Rhymester
- Publisher
- Gabriel Dumont Institute
- Initial publish date
- Jan 2009
- Category
- Native American
-
Book
- ISBN
- 9780920915752
- Publish Date
- Jan 2009
- List Price
- $15.00
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Where to buy it
Recommended Age, Grade, and Reading Levels
- Age: 9
- Grade: 4
Description
Pierriche Falcon: The Michif Rhymester is a comprehensive cultural resource which includes English and Michif-French renditions of Pierre Falcon’s songs by Krystle Pederson and Guy Dumont with music by John Arcand, the “Master of the Métis Fiddle,” and Desmond Legace. Paul Chartrand, a distinguished Métis academic and former Chair of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples, also provides a thoughtful essay on the importance of Falcon’s songs, Métis nationalism, and the Michif languages. For the first time, several Pierre Falcon songs have been included in a musical compilation. Perhaps more importantly, these songs have been restored back to their original Michif voice.
Pierre Falcon was the first known Métis to compose songs. After personally witnessing many of the key events of early Métis history, his tunes—particularly “The Battle of Frog Plain” or “la gournouillère,” the first patriotic song created in Canada—take us back to the birth of the Métis Nation. These passionate, humourous, and ironic songs also speak to the Métis Nation’s resolute desire to be independent and self-determining.
About the author
Librarian Reviews
Pierrich Falcon: The Michif Rhymester
Paul Chartrand researched, compiled and documented this concise examination of the history and meaning of the Métis national anthem. The focus is on the Michif version of the anthem and the songwriter who composed it, Pierre Falcon. It also includes the lyrics, in both Michif and English, of other songs by Falcon. A well-produced CD of the songs, performed by a variety of Métis singers and musicians, is included with the coilbound book. Together, they provide a rare and interesting glimpse into the Métis perspective, history and culture. While written for adults, this resource could be effectively used in a variety of school settings to supplement and enhance lessons on Métis history or culture.Source: The Association of Book Publishers of BC. Canadian Aboriginal Books for Schools. 2009-2010.