Cree composer Balfour helps Edmonton choir tell stories of Indigenous soldiers
A story of Indigenous soldiers who fought for Canada in the First World War, and then were denied rights upon returning home, was told Sunday evening by a local choir and renowned Cree composer.
Andrew Balfour's "Notinikew: Going to War" was performed on stage for just the second time by Edmonton's Chronos Vocal Ensemble at the McDougall United Church.
The Canadian government estimates about 4,000 Indigenous people served in the Canadian forces during the First World War; a more precise number is unavailable because only those with Indian Status were recorded. About 300 lost their lives in conflict. Upon returning home, many did not receive the same benefits and support from the federal government.
"Notinikiew" was performed for the first time in 2018 in Winnipeg – where Balfour is based and leads the Dead of Winter ensemble – and then recorded and performed in different capacities during the pandemic.
Sunday's performance was the culmination of a year's worth of work with Balfour, according to Chronos artistic director Jordan Van Biert.
He told CTV News Edmonton choirs have a role in broadening the kinds of stories told to audiences and working with collaborators like Balfour to do that.
"Our background is western choral music which is predominantly Eurocentric, and so when we look at a piece like this, we have a composer who is a bridge between different kinds of cultural traditions," he said.
"We all feel we've grown this week. I was commenting this morning that I don't think I've learned as many new things in the space of a couple of weeks in quite some time. There have been some very very deep and powerful moments."
Balfour told the audience at the start of the concert he saw it as reconciliatory action.
"I really feel that the spirit of reconciliation, if you want to use that word, is the spirit of collaboration and respect and often a safe platform to be able to tell our stories," he said.
"We're going very deep into a very deep, complex, tragic issue. But I also feel safe in this place because I do feel the importance of storytelling is a safe place. And we haven't been safe – my people haven't been safe – for a long, long time. So I feel we are being able to build up the bridges to being safe again. I do it through choral music."
The concert consisted of songs in both Cree and English, as well as traditional drumming and a blessing. Balfour narrated the performance. Singer and drummer Ryan Arcand, cellist Leanne Zacharias, tenor soloist Nolah Kehler, and bassist Paul Grindlay were guest performers.
With files from CTV Edmonton's Sean McClune
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Canada Post presents union with 'framework' to reach deal as strike continues
Canada Post says it has presented the union representing some 55,000 striking postal workers with a framework to reach negotiated agreements.
'Devastating': Missing Surrey, B.C. teen found dead, family says
The family of a missing 18-year-old, who was last seen in Surrey over a month ago, says there has been a tragic end to the search.
PM Trudeau 'surprised' provinces unanimous on accelerated defence spending: Ford
Ontario Premier Doug Ford says his fellow provincial leaders are united in pushing for Canada to meet its NATO defence spending targets ahead of schedule, and that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was "surprised" to hear it.
developing Emergency crews battle large fire at Kitchener, Ont. townhouse complex
Waterloo Regional Police say Kingsway Drive will remain closed as emergency crews continue to battle a large blaze at a townhouse complex.
Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares resigns as carmaker continues to struggle with slumping sales
Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares is stepping down after nearly four years in the top spot of the automaker, which owns car brands like Jeep and Ram, amid an ongoing struggle with slumping sales.
Poilievre calls for asylum seeker cap, border plan as U.S. tariff threat looms
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has demanded the federal government present a plan before Parliament to beef up border security as U.S. president-elect Donald Trump threatens to impose stiff tariffs on Canada.
'Wicked' star Marissa Bode speaks out against 'harmful' ableist comments made about her character
'Wicked' actress Marissa Bode posted a video on TikTok asking for kindness after receiving ableist comments on social media.
One man dead after shooting at Kitchener's 'A Better Tent City'
One man is dead after an afternoon shooting at 49 Ardelt Ave. in Kitchener.
'Moana 2' sails to a record US$221 million opening as Hollywood celebrates a moviegoing feast
'Moana 2' brought in a tidal wave of moviegoers over the Thanksgiving Day weekend, setting records with $221 million in ticket sales, according to estimates.