SYDNEY, N.S. — A virtual mawio’mi singing competition to encourage people to sing Mi’kmaq songs is underway.
“I wanted something for our own Mi’kmaq people, something we could be proud of,” said Michael R. Denny, the program co-ordinator of the Red Road Project.
“Something that spoke to who we are as L’nu people.”
After noticing the social distancing powwows taking place on social media, Denny decided to organize a competition dedicated to Mi'kmaq songs and traditions.
The contest began on March 31 and will run till 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday. The judges will be from Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey, the Mi’kmaq language advocate. The Red Road Project is a program operating through Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey that encourages young people to learn Mi’kmaq language, culture and knowledge.
“The Red Road is quite literally living the good life, living a healthy life, living a sober life,” said Denny.
The competition is open to people across Mi’kma’ki and competitors are told to "like" the page and upload a video of themselves singing a traditional Mi’kmaq song. They must also follow social distancing measures and only one person can be in the video.
Denny is from Eskasoni First Nation and wanted a way for Mi’kmaq people to stay connected virtually, while also encouraging people to learn traditional songs and dances like the ko’jua.
The 32-year-old has been involved in powwows since 1992 but says many of the powwow traditions come from western nations while the ko’jua songs and dances are traditionally Mi’kmaq. He says in the last 15 years they've seen a resurgence of the tradition.
“To me, it is one of the last surviving things that is very specific to the Mi’kmaq people. Those songs are Mi’kmaq songs," said Denny.
He hopes to see people singing those songs and using the ji’kmaqn, a traditional Mi’kmaq instrument, for the competition. But all Mi’kmaq songs and instruments are welcome because at the competition's core is the celebration of the Mi’kmaq language.
Denny had planned a Mi’kmaq mawio’mi in Truro in late March to celebrate the ko’jua dances and songs but had to cancel because of COVID-19 concerns.
“It's so important for us to sing and dance ko’jua,” said Denny.
Within a month he hopes they can host a virtual ko’jua dance competition and to celebrate Mi’kmaq cultural knowledge. The singing competition is split into three age categories and the top three finalists in each will receive monetary prizes.
“This is also a way to help people who are affected economically by what's going on with the COVID-19 cancellations,” said Denny.
First prize for the 18 years and up bracket is $500, while first place for the 13-17 age group and the up to age 12 group can expect $300 each, respectively. The cheques will be mailed to winners.
Oscar Baker III is a local journalism initiative reporter, a position being funded by the federal government. He lives in Sydney.
