Mi'kmaq Songs

Like most First Nations, the Mi'kmaq have an extensive collection of traditional songs and chants. Many of these have fallen into disuse, but the following are some common ones that are still sung frequently at a mawi'omi or during ceremonies. Where possible, translations are provided, but in many cases the songs consisted of "vocables," or spoken syllables that have no real meaning or translation. Many such vocables were intended to express emotion, rather than actual words.

You can click on the icon after the title to listen to Muin'iskw perform the song.

Kepmite'tmnej - The Mi'kmaq Honour Song

Kepmite'tmnej, the Mi'kmaw Honour Song, was received in the sweatlodge by George Paul in the 1980s. A singer-songwriter from the Metepenagiag First Nation (Red Bank), New Brunswick, George has been involved with the Traditional Movement in reviving Mi'kmaw songs, chants, and ceremonies for over thirty years. This song features a combination of meaningful text in Mi'kmaq and vocables, and it is generally repeated four times.

Wejkwita'jik - the Gathering Song

As the name implies, a Gathering Song is sung to celebrate a gathering of the people. It should be mentioned that there are a number of different songs that are referred to as Gathering songs, and there is some debate regarding which, if any, is THE Gathering song.

Kwanu'te' - the Feast Song

This song is sung in honour of a feast, and in honour of all those beings that gave themselves to be part of the feast. There are many different versions of this song. The meanings of the words, if any, have been lost in time, and they are sung as vocables today.

Iknmuwetu - the Giveaway Song

Traditional teachings warn about allowing one's possessions to become to important in one's life, to the point where they possess you. To reinforce this teaching, a Giveaway is often part of a traditional gathering. Participants place objects on a blanket, then everyone takes turns selecting an object to take home with them. This teaches us to give, and also provides us with a reminder of the gathering. The following song is often sung while the ceremony takes place (My thanks to Ida Denny for providing the words - the link is to a YouTube video of George Paul's recording.)

This traditional song honours Kitpu, the eagle. Unfortunately, I have no recording of this song, but for those who are familiar with it and want the lyrics, here you go.