Canada’s national orchestra is set to perform in Eskasoni First Nation, where Mi’kmaw singer-songwriter Emma Stevens will showcase her original music. At 23 years old, Stevens will join the prestigious National Arts Centre Orchestra on its 100th tour, emphasizing the beauty of Mi’kmaw culture and music.
Stevens gained global recognition in 2019 for her Mi’kmaw-language rendition of the Beatles’ “Blackbird,” which went viral. The song, translated by Katani Julian and Albert Golydada Julian and produced by Carter Chiasson, garnered over 1.9 million views on YouTube. Former Beatle Paul McCartney praised her rendition, expressing admiration for her talent.
Since then, Stevens has advocated for Indigenous issues at various United Nations events, focusing on language preservation and missing and murdered Indigenous women. She has actively worked to revive her Mi’kmaw language, recently composing a song entirely in Mi’kmaw for the first time to promote language retention among younger generations.
Stevens, excited to perform at Eskasoni and other Nova Scotia venues alongside the orchestra, will present her Mi’kmaw cover of “Blackbird” and an original song, “The Ballad of Shubenacadie,” addressing the Canadian residential school system. The tour will also feature Wolastoqiyik artist Jeremy Dutcher, a two-time Polaris Music Prize winner, who emphasizes the importance of traditional Indigenous music and language.
Expressing admiration for Dutcher, Stevens looks forward to sharing the stage with him. Dutcher anticipates a musical celebration highlighting the resilience and cultural significance of Indigenous melodies. He credits his mentor, elder Maggie Paul, for inspiring him to elevate traditional Indigenous music with symphonic accompaniment, making the orchestra’s visit meaningful for Wabanaki Territory.