Minds On
Today’s vocabulary
Press the following tabs to access today’s vocabulary.
The plural form of Mi’kmaw and used to refer to a a community or nation. For example, “the Mi’kmaq of Eastern Canada.” Explore Mi'kmaw.
Singular form of Mi'kmaq and is used to refer to a single person or the language. For example, "she is Mi'kmaw" or "he speaks Mi'kmaw."
The term used to refer to Mi’kmaq territory. Mi'kma'ki spans eastern Canada and the northeastern corner of the United States. Mi’kma’ki includes all of what is now Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, the Gaspé Peninsula of Québec, the north shore of New Brunswick and inland to the Saint John River watershed, eastern Maine, and part of Newfoundland, including the islands in the Gulf of Saint Lawrence as well as Saint Pierre and Miquelon.
A violin used to play folk music.
Let’s get started!
Explore the following video of the song “Ko’jua” by Morgan Toney and consider the following questions:
- What language is Morgan singing in?
- What is happening in the video?
Action
Get ready, get set…
Music in the Mi’kmaq community
Morgan Toney is a 22-year old Mi’kmaw musician from Wagmatcook First Nation. The song “Ko’jua” we explored in the Minds On section was sung in his language, Mi’kmaq. Morgan uses fiddle music to share the teachings of his Elders. He started by playing the drums and then became interested in the fiddle.
Press 'The Mi'kmaq Territory' to learn more about this territory.
Did You Know?
Did you know?
The Mi’kmaq territory is called Mi’kma’ki and spans eastern Canada and the northeastern corner of the United States. Mi’kma’ki includes all of what is now Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, the Gaspé Peninsula of Québec, the north shore of New Brunswick and inland to the Saint John River watershed, eastern Maine, and part of Newfoundland, including the islands in the Gulf of Saint Lawrence as well as Saint Pierre and Miquelon. Be sure to review the definitions of Mi'kmaq, Mi'kmaw, and Mi'kma'ki in the Minds On section.
As we work towards Truth and Reconciliation, information about lands and territories is constantly being updated. This map was created using information available as of March 2022 from the CBC.
This map shows that the Mi’kma’ki territory is organized into districts and spans the provinces of Québec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland in eastern Canada, and the northeastern corner of the United States around Maine. The district of Kespe’k spans from the Gaspé Peninsula of Québec to part of New Brunswick. The district of Siknikt encompasses part of New Brunswick and a small section of Nova Scotia. The joint district of Epekwitk aq Piwktuk includes Prince Edward Island and part of Nova Scotia. The district of Unama’ki is located in the northern part of Nova Scotia, followed by the districts of Eskikewa’kik and Sipekne’katik in the middle, and the district of Kespukwitk in the southern part of Nova Scotia. The district of Ktaqamkuk spans to part of Newfoundland.
What does “Ko’jua” mean?
Explore the following video where Morgan Toney explains what “Ko’jua” means and when “Ko’jua” music is played. Then, respond to the questions that follow.
Record your responses to the following questions using a method of your choice.
Press the 'Sample Answer' button for each question to check out possible answers about the video.
- What does “Ko’jua” mean?
“Ko’jua” is a traditional Mi’kmaw song. It’s a social song, it’s a song for dancing and for gathering.
- When is “Ko’jua” played?
Usually, the “Ko’jua” is played at a Powwow and all ages come and dance.
Pause and Reflect
Pause and reflect
In First Nations, Métis, and Inuit cultures music and dance are used for celebration, ceremony, and for entertainment. However, under the laws of the Indian Act, Indigenous Peoples, specifically First Nations individuals, were banned from performing using traditional instruments in public, wearing their regalia, or gathering in groups to celebrate, mourn, heal, or have fun together.
Because of this, many First Nations, Métis, and Inuit individuals did not learn these traditions from their parents, grandparents, or community members.
Even with the unfairness and injustices, they have experienced, Indigenous Peoples continue to practice their music and dances and express themselves and their cultures across Turtle Island.
Go!
Explore the video of the song “Ko’jua” again.
This time, think about the information you have learned about Morgan Toney and the Mi’kmaq community and respond to the following questions:
- What language is Morgan singing in?
- How does this type of music make you feel?
- Why might it be important for Morgan to perform music that is traditional to his community?
- What kinds of instruments did you notice or experience in the video?
Record your ideas digitally, as an audio clip, or on paper.
Access the video of the song "Ko'jua" by Morgan Toney again.
Press the 'Sample Answer' button for each question to check out possible answers about the video.
- What language is Morgan singing in?
He is singing in Mi’kmaq.
- How does this type of music make you feel?
When I experience the music, it makes me feel excited and happy. I want to move along to the beat on the drum.
- Why might it be important for Morgan to perform music that is traditional to his community?
Morgan can celebrate and continue the traditions in his community while also sharing music with others.
- What kinds of instruments did you notice or experience in the video?
Press the following tabs to learn more about the instruments explored in the video.
Drum
A repeating pattern is played on the drum throughout the song.
Fiddle
Morgan Toney plays the fiddle and sings. His part is the main part, while other musicians play the instruments which support his part.
Banjo
One of the musicians plays an accompaniment on the banjo. An accompaniment is a part that supports a voice or an instrument. The musician playing the banjo supports Morgan Toney who sings and plays the fiddle.
Acoustic guitar
One of the musicians plays an accompaniment on the acoustic guitar.
Did You Know?
Did you know?
A violin and a fiddle are the same instruments! There is, however, a difference between violin playing and fiddle playing. While a violin is often used to play classical music and jazz, a fiddle is often used for musical styles like folk, country, and bluegrass.
There are also a few times when the instrument is made specifically for fiddle music. They have a flatter bridge section which brings the strings closer to the fingerboard. This makes playing fiddle music easier for musicians.
A close-up of the bridge and fingerboard of a violin. A “fingerboard” label is used for the long strip of wood that is placed to the front of the neck with found strings running over it, and a “bridge” label is used for the piece of wood that supports the strings and is held up by the tension of the strings.
Consolidation
Putting it all together
On July 6, 2021 Emma Stevens of the Eskasoni First Nation, Morgan Toney of the Wagmatcook First Nation and Todd Googoo of the We’koqma’q First Nation created the song “Wela’lin.” They were asked by the Nova Scotia Government to write a song about hope and healing.
In the Mi’kmaq language Wela’lin means “Thank you” or “I do well by you.”
Start by exploring a video with the song “Wela’lin”. Then, examine an excerpt of the lyrics that follow.
Examine the following excerpt of the lyrics of “Wela’lin” written in collaboration by Emma Stevens, Morgan Toney, and Todd Googoo. Consider what these lyrics might mean and answer the questions that follow.
Wela’lin excerpt
“Grateful for the teachings, spoken by my elders.
Let me see the wisdom through this eagle feather
We all sit in a circle so let us come together
When the truth rings out the spirit lives forever”
Respond to the following questions. Press the ‘Sample Answer’ button for each question to check out possible answers about the song. Record your responses digitally, in an audio recording, or on paper.
- In what ways does the song celebrate Mi’kmaw language and culture?
The song is titled “Wela’lin” which is a word from the Mi’kmaq language. By making this word the title of the song, the musicians are celebrating Mi’kmaq culture.
One of the musicians uses a traditional Mi’kmaw hand drum to create a repeating beat or ostinato in the song.
- What kind of message is being communicated through the words or lyrics of the song?
The very first verse of the song is about thanking the Elders for sharing their teachings, their wisdom and guiding the community. It talks about coming together as a community and celebrating culture. It also references the eagle feather which is a symbol of honour and respect in First Nations culture.
Portfolio
Review your learning
Explore the following quote by Morgan Toney.
“There’s not a lot of Mi’kmaq fiddlers right now, [compared] to, say, 50 years ago, or even 20 years ago,” Toney explains. “I don’t want to say it, but it feels like a few of us, like myself, are leading the charge. Maybe myself at the moment. And I’m just trying to make sure like — I’m going to tell you a story. My great grandfather played the fiddle. I didn’t know that until my uncle told me about him. And three of my late great uncles played fiddle as well. He told me about them as well. So that kind of motivated me to keep going”.
Source: CBC Music, URL: https://www.cbc.ca/music/morgan-toney-s-breakthrough-year-meet-the-22-year-old-mi-kmaq-fiddler-fusing-ancestral-songs-and-celtic-tunes-1.6118626
Why do you think it is important for Morgan Toney to play his music and share the language of his community?
Record your answer using a method of your choice. Consider adding your work to your portfolio.
Reflection
How do you feel about what you have learned in this activity? Which of the next four sentences best matches how you are feeling about your learning? Press the button that is beside this sentence.
I feel…
Now, record your ideas about your feelings using a voice recorder, speech-to-text, or writing tool.