Voice of the Earth was created in partnership with the Canadian Commission for UNESCO in honor of the International Decade of Indigenous Languages (2022-2032).
Voice of the Earth features Mi'kmaq singer songwriter Emma Stevens with staff and students from the Eskasoni Immersion School, the Eskasoni Elementary and Middle School and Allison Bernard Memorial High School.
Voice of the Earth was released on Truth and Reconciliation Day in Canada, September 30, 2024.
Songwriters: Carter Chiasson, Emma Stevens, Russell Sullivan, Vivian Jeddore
Executive Producer / Music Production: Carter Chiasson
Audio Recording: ABMHS Audio Recording and Production 12 Class 2024, Carter Chiasson, Jamie Foulds
Audio Production: Jamie Foulds (Soundpark Studios)
Video Production: Jason LeFrense (JLF Productions)
//SPECIAL THANKS//
Newell Johnson
Isabelle-Levert Chiasson
Barbara Filion
UNESCO Canada
Eskasoni Womens Drum Group
ABMHS Drum Group
Calvin Stevens
Katani Stevens
Vivian Jedore
Donald Morrison
Darren Stevens
Chad Tobin
Melanie Roach-Walsh
Ashley MacIsaac
Ed Woodsworth
Lyndon MacKenzie
VOICE OF THE EARTH // LYRICS:
VERSE 1
Out on the plains, where the cold winds blow
The voice of the earth, it whispers low
With endless sky, eagles and buffalo
Sa’qewi-nipukt aqq sipuk (Through ancient trees and rivers wide)
Wikim+sk aqq etam+sk (It calls out to you, it calls inside)
Situn melkiknat, jiks+tui (Listen close, my voice is strong)
VERSE 2
There’s a whisper on the breeze
Of (long) lost hope and memories
That haunts me on both sides of my dreams
Tami eymu’ti’k? tami eltayk? (Where we are and where we will go?)
Teken awti wije’mu’k (Walk the lines of each shadow)
Kaqapt+mu’kek- paqtukewa’q (Seeing all As the earth echos)
VERSE 3
Listen close, the voice of the earth
In every breeze, in every birth
It speaks of love, it speaks of truth and worth
Jiks+tu (Listen to me)
Kiju maqamikew atkitemukt+k mimajuaqn (Mother earth she cries for all life)
Wleyatult+nej aq kiknu (Lets treat each other well and our home)