Nipawik
Edmonton Métis/Cree
Central Alberta
Teacher Lead: Chandra Hildebrand
Guest Artists: Andrea Menard & Robert Walsh
Elder Advisor: Jeanette Lean
Video Production: Wes Miron
Audio Production: Lindsay McIntyre
Andrea Menard is an acclaimed Métis singer, actor, writer, and musician. As a singer, she has performed for royalty, ambassadors, prime ministers, governor generals and released three award-winning albums. She has starred in several acclaimed Canadian television series, including The Velvet Devil, Moccasin Flats, and Rabbit Falls. Andrea is currently on the writing team for The Wild West Show, a project with the NAC’s Department of French Theatre. Robert Walsh is an award-winning singer-songwriter, guitarist, producer, and musical director. Robert teaches songwriting at Grant McEwan University and is a regular performer with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra, Alberta Ballet, and Edmonton Opera.
Nipawik Lyrics
I never lost my talk
‘cuz I never had it
But I know where to look
And I’m gonna find it
I’m done with shame
I walk away from blame
I have a voice
I have a choice, I have a choice.
We can get back back up
We are not broken
My talk is in my blood
It shall be spoken
Kinipahnano (spelling?)
We shall rise with pride
Nipawik
Our voice will never die, never die.
We had to learn your ways
Let me teach you mine
Follow me and take a chance
Now is the time
For my generation
To speak as one nation
Hear our voice
And make a choice, make a choice
We can get back back up
We are not broken
My talk is in my blood
It shall be spoken
Kinipahnano (sp?)
We shall rise with pride
Nipawik
Our voice will never die, never die.
We can get back back up
We are not broken
My talk is in my blood