Echoes of the Land: Singing, Language & Reconciliation Through Music

In this deeply interesting episode, I’m joined by Julie from Luminous Voices, a professional choir based in Canada that’s been quietly reshaping its work by collaborating with First Nations composers and singers.

What started as an outdoor music project during COVID has become an ongoing journey into shared musical storytelling — one that honours Indigenous languages like Cree, explores traditional singing techniques such as vocables, and centres connection, slowness, and care

In this episode, we talk about:

• Singing in Cree and why language carries memory and healing

• The meaning of vocables — non-word syllables full of cultural significance

• What it means to begin with listening and relationship before performance

• How music helps bridge generations, especially in schools

• The story behind the song Ogawimaski — a love letter to Mother Earth

• Julie’s personal moment walking the land while singing — and feeling the past ripple through her

• How non-Indigenous allies can respectfully begin their own learning journey

• Why music might be the gentlest path toward reconciliation and cultural connection

Julie shares how this work has not only changed how they perform, but how they gather, listen, and walk alongside communities with deep roots on the land. We also talk about the personal impact — what it feels like to sing to Mother Earth, and how humility and love are at the heart of this ongoing journey.

If you're curious about how music can support reconciliation, or if you’ve ever felt like a song can teach you more than a textbook — this conversation is a beautiful place to begin.

Whether you're a musician, an introvert curious about culture, or someone wanting to explore a more heart-led path to connection, I hope this episode gives you something to hold and reflect on.

Acknowledgement:

This episode includes conversation around First Nations music and cultural collaboration.

I respectfully acknowledge the Bunurong People of the Kulin Nation, the Traditional Custodians of the land where I live and create. I honour their deep connection to land, song, and story — and pay my respects to Elders past and present.

I also acknowledge the Indigenous Peoples of Canada — including First Nations, Inuit, and Métis — whose music, language, and cultural knowledge are shared in this episode through the lived experience of my guest.

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Connect with Julie HERE:

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www.parentmentornow.com

https://www.youtube.com/c/luminousvoices

Instagram: @parent.mentor.now

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-freedman-smith/

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