Miles Morrisseau
ICT
It’s Mother’s Day and here is a list of Indigenous mother-themed songs that may get a nod, a smile, a chuckle and maybe a tear. This list includes songs from various genres including hip-hop, country, traditional and of course, lullabies. To the moms and for the moms, here is ICT’s Mother’s Day playlist.
Cathedral Lake Singers — “Mother’s Round Dance”
Recorded live at the Navajo Nation Powwow in Window Rock, Arizona, the Cathedral Lake Singers released their Live in Window Rock album in 1999. All the tracks have that great live sound that you can only get from a powwow regarding. This track is a perfect song to celebrate Mother’s Day or any other day you want to get your round dance on.
Susan Aglukark — “Mothers of the Disappeared”
The song is upbeat in tone and delivered in Aglukark’s signature vocals, the musicianship and production from beginning to end are top notch. It is one of the Inuit artist’s gifts since the beginning of her career, she can deliver the harshest news in the sweetest way.
Aglukark covers “Mothers of the Disappeared,” a song by U2 and bridges the distance between the Canadian north and the streets of Belfast. The song which is available on Aglukark’s 2013 album, Dreaming of Home, is a reflection on the unfathomable loss felt by mothers whose children have been taken too soon.
In the trees our sons stand naked
Through the walls our daughters cry
See their tears in the rainfall
Brooklyn — “Mama Told Me”
The late Jamie “Brooklyn” Prefontaine, Métis Nation was one of the most gifted rappers to come out of the Winnipeg hip hop scene with solid solo releases, collaborations and his membership in the biggest group at the time Winnipeg’s Most. Brooklyn’s flow and songwriting talents gave him the skills to take on all subjects whether it was life on the streets, love, fatherhood and this classic about the advice he got from his mom. He was gone too soon but the music remains.
Mama Told Me
That there would be days like this
Crystal Shawanda — “Just Like You”
Shawanda is an Ojibwe Potawatomi artist who continues to evolve and experiment with musical genres from country to rock to pop and the blues. Throughout it all two things have stayed the same. Her incredible voice and her storytelling style, which much like Dolly Parton and Loretta Lynn, reflects her personal journey.
In the song “Just Like You,” Shawanda is sharing a story of love, regret and forgiveness that is both universal and specifically Indigenous. The trope of leaving home at a young age in order to seek your dreams is one that is very common to Indigenous youth who don’t have the educational or employment opportunities in community.
I didn’t mean to leave so soon
Everyone tells me, I look like you
Young Spirit — “My Mama”
This powwow group hails from Frog Lake Cree Nation in northeastern Alberta and have been recording music and hitting the powwow trail since the beginning of the millennium. “My Mama” from their 2021 release Angel Eagle – Cree Round Dance Songs tells the story of when your mother has given your love her blessing.
My Mama Said
She Thinks I have found
The right one for me
LOV — “Mama”
This is a brand new track from a Treaty 6 artist is a call to arms and it is directed at the moms and may be directed at the artist herself. The song is a banger with enticing vocals and lyrics that hit hard. It deserves to be heard, though one has to admit it takes a bit of nerve to tell “Mama” that she needs to get to work.
Cause I’ve been perplexed for a minute
Had to write this message in a song
because ya’ll aren’t listening
Fawn Wood — “Mommy’s Little Boy”
Juno award-winning singer Fawn Wood, Cree and Salish, has the perfect song for mamas who love their baby boys no matter the age and the mama’s boys who love their mama’s no matter how old they get. “Mommy’s Little Boy” is for her album “Songs of Indigenous Womanhood” and is a perfect example.
Do you know, I love you so
And Mommy will never let you go
Black Lodge Singers — “Ask your mom for 50 cents”
This legendary powwow group has been nominated for numerous Grammys and released over 20 albums including two for children. Representing the Blackfeet Nation out of White Swan, Washington, the Black Lodge Singers released their CD Kid’s PowWow Songs nearly 30 years ago. The album is a dozen fun filled songs for kids of all ages, including “Ask Your Mom for 50 Cents.” This silly number is a perfect representation of the tracks on this album.
Ask your Mom for 50 cents
To watch the fat man jump the fence
He jumped so high they touched the sky
Never come down until the fourth of July
Beatrice Deer — “Mother”
Beatrice Deer is another artist who blends traditional sounds, language and worldview with contemporary sounds to create something new. Mother is from the Inuk and Mohawk artist 2021 release, “Shifting.” The song tells the story of a daughter coming to terms with the struggles faced by her mother and includes lyrics in Inuktitut and English.
I want to stand like you with grace
I want to walk like you with grace
I want to be like you with grace
A.Paul Ortega and Sharon Burch — “Cradle Song”
This beautiful collaboration from these two iconic artists is from the 1984 album, “The Blessing Ways” and was released by Canyon Records. Ortega, who is Mescalero Apache, and Burch, who is Navajo, blend together joyfully throughout the recording and this gorgeous lullaby features Ortega’s guitar and Burch’s soaring vocals.Our stories are worth telling. Our stories are worth sharing. Our stories are worth your support. Contribute $5 or $10 today to help ICT carry out its critical mission. Sign up for ICT’s free newsletter.
Our stories are worth telling. Our stories are worth sharing. Our stories are worth your support. Contribute $5 or $10 today to help ICT carry out its critical mission. Sign up for ICT’s free newsletter.