Wapna'kik: The People of the Dawn

Wapna'kik (The People of the Dawn) by Mi'kmaw musical group Sons of Membertou foregrounds the powerful voices of their people. First released in 1995, Wapna'kik documents a vital resurgence of the Membertou community’s music practices. The 2025 updated edition by Smithsonian Folkways includes "Mi'kmaq Honour Song" and "500 Years," introducing a new generation of singers and musicians. Their addition to the album exemplifies the diversity of Mi’kmaw sonic and poetic expressions, which continue, as they have for centuries, to incorporate global influences. Drums play a central role throughout the album, uniting generations of those who strengthen Mi’kmaw language and culture through these songs.

Track Listing

1	The People of the Dawn / Wejkwita'jik (The Gathering Song)	Sons of Membertou	04:39
2	Sma'knis (Veteran's Song)	Sons of Membertou	04:08
3	Kepmite'tmnej (Mi'kmaq Honour Song)	Sons of Membertou	08:29
4	The Mountain / Mukla'qati	Sons of Membertou	04:08
5	500 Years	Sons of Membertou	04:21
6	Kwan'to'te'	Sons of Membertou	02:59
7	Kwa'nu'te'	Sons of Membertou	04:01
8	Ko'jua (Partridge Dance)	Sons of Membertou	02:58
9	The People of the Dawn / Kniskamijinaq (The Ancestors' Song)	Sons of Membertou	08:15