Cree Christmas carolling spreading cheer and promoting language revitalization

“I thought it’d be a good idea to teach the kids how to do that and then go caroling. Going in front of elders and singing, I think they’ll really enjoy that.”

Merasty and co-organizer Ashley Roy plan to teach youth and adult carollers a few songs and take their team throughout the community to perform for elders and people living with disabilities.

The carolling event is being organized so the team will meet on Christmas Eve before visiting people throughout the community. After performing for them, they will come together at the elder’s lodge for their final performance.

While the activity serves to spread the cheer that comes with the holiday season, it’s also provides people in the community with an opportunity to revitalize an important aspect of Indigenous culture.

“Our language has been lost for a long time,” Roy said.

“There’s so many youths and adults in Flying Dust or throughout communities where they don’t even know their language. It’s very important that they start learning their language.”

Roy also mentioned an app released by Meadow Lake Tribal Council that offers residents on and off the reserve an opportunity to expand their cultural vocabulary.

The organizers are inviting people to join their team of carollers. Practice is expected to begin on Thursday, Dec. 9 at the youth centre.

Anyone interested in learning more or would like to join the team is asked to contact Justin Bear at (306) 240-4522 or Ashley Roy at (306) 240-5223.

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elliott.knopp@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @ElliottKnopp

by Elliott Knopp

Cree Christmas carolling spreading cheer and promoting language revitalization

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