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Wapna'kik: The People of the Dawn

Sons of Membertou
Wapna'kik: The People of the Dawn
This release contains pre-order items. The CD version ships on or around February 21, 2025.
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