The National Arts Centre Orchestra from Ottawa is embarking on its 100th tour, with Mi’kmaw musician Emma Stevens joining them to perform in Eskasoni First Nation, where she grew up. Stevens gained global recognition in 2019 for her Mi’kmaw-language rendition of the Beatles’ “Blackbird,” which went viral and was praised by Paul McCartney. She has since used her platform to advocate for Indigenous issues, focusing on language preservation and missing and murdered Indigenous women.
Stevens, who has been actively reconnecting with her Mi’kmaw heritage, will showcase her culture through music at the upcoming concerts in Eskasoni, Halifax, and Wolfville. Alongside performing her acclaimed Mi’kmaw cover of “Blackbird,” she will also present an original song called “The Ballad of Shubenacadie,” co-written with her music teacher Carter Chiasson, addressing the Canadian residential school system.
The orchestra’s tour will also feature Wolastoqiyik artist Jeremy Dutcher, a Polaris Music Prize winner, who will bring traditional Indigenous music to the stage. Dutcher, a member of Tobique First Nation, expressed excitement about celebrating music, language, and resilience during the performances. He highlighted the significance of showcasing Indigenous songs and language with the support of the NAC Orchestra in their ancestral lands.
Stevens expressed admiration for Dutcher and his artistry, emphasizing his talent and storytelling abilities. Both artists are thrilled to collaborate and share their cultural heritage through music with audiences. The upcoming concerts promise to be a vibrant celebration of Indigenous music and language, honoring the rich traditions and stories of Canada’s Indigenous peoples.