First Nations people originate from a diverse range of cultures and music traditions vary within this group of people. There are, however, some similarities which can mainly be found in the public, social music and private, ceremonial music. Before contact with Europeans, Aboriginal Canadians made traditional musical instruments from materials that were available in the areas that they inhabited. For example, the rattles that accompany social dance music were made from elaborately decorated gourds and animal horns. [Read more...]
Languages of the Aboriginal People of Canada
February 18, 2011 By
There are many diverse Aboriginal languages in Canada and language is an important way for the indigenous people of Canada to feel a connection to their cultural identity. Today, less than 1% of the population of Canada speak an indigenous language. [Read more...]
Inuit Life
February 8, 2011 By
Although the last century has seen a great deal of change in the way that the Inuit live, they continue to retain many elements of their culture and traditions alive today. Included within the traditions that have been passed down through the generations are mythology, storytelling, traditional knowledge, dancing and music. Family life and community are as important to the Inuit today as they always have been. They continue to live in close villages where they endeavour to maintain a balance between tradition and the needs of the present. [Read more...]
Aboriginal Art in Canada
February 1, 2011 By
The art of the Aboriginal people in Canada can be traced back thousands of years. Some believe that art in Canada originated during the last ice age between 12,000 and 80,000 years ago. However, the oldest examples that exist today date back to around 5,000 years ago. Red ochre paintings on natural rock, known as pictographs and petroglyphs have been found in sites such as those found in North West Ontario which are believed to be up to 5,000 years old. Carved figures of people have also been found which may be between 3,000 and 5,000 years old and totem poles are now thought to date back at least 2,500 years in Canadian history. [Read more...]