Items · Riel, Heart of the North - Archive & Language Database

F5-A: And doe skin... Ipi la po d’bish

Audio recording of F5 read in Michif by translator Agathe Chartrand.

F4-June: Sweet, les beau temps... Agryab, li bo ten

Audio recording of F4 read in Michif by translator June Bruce.

F3-June: L’été douce... L’iti do pi for

Audio recording of F3 read in Michif by translator June Bruce.

F2-L: Glass beads... Li perl en

Audio recording of F2 read in Michif by translator Lorraine Coutu-Lavallee.

F1-L: We sew wild roses... On ko di roz savaj

Kusturok, Alex

Growing up, Alex (3rd Generation fiddle player) followed his mother Patti to Old time dances around Manitoba where he was enriched with the Métis fiddle from a very young age. By age 7, the passion for music became apparent and fiddle became the focus of Alex's life. Culture has always played a huge part in Alex's music and his life. His father, a treaty Indian from Wabigoon Lake First Nation in Ontario made sure that Alex learned of his aboriginal heritage which transferred into his music and gave him a set of values in which he lives his life. Between his mother's fiddle and his father's guitar, there is no question that Alex would take to the music and continue to pass on the tradition. Alex's music is very much about family. Every time he plays it is for his late grandparents John and Eva, his mother Patti, and his father Gerald who so freely gave him the gift of music.

Li Keur Podcast: Episode Four with Composer and Co-Director Neil Weisensel

In this episode, Bryna Link (Peguis First Nation) and Hannah Connelly speak with composer and co-director of the Li Keur production, Neil Weisensel. He shares about the beginnings of Li Keur, the careful process of collaboration in regards to Indigenous and non Indigenous artistry, and explains how he composed some pieces for the dramatic musical, namely Ni mayagenimaak (the Mending of Violence), sung by Julie Lumsden and Baptize Me in my Galilee.

Li Keur Podcast: Episode Three with Will Goodon from the Manitoba Metis Federation

In this episode, Bryna Link (Peguis First Nation) and Hannah Connelly speak with Will Goodon, the Minister of Housing and Property Management for the Manitoba Metis Federation. He shares about his own experience growing up with deep connections to his Metis roots, the importance of bringing culture into the present, mental health, and also gives us a bit of teaser about the new Metis Heritage centre that is being built in Winnipeg.

Li Keur Podcast: Episode Two with Baritone James Westman

In this episode, Bryna Link (Peguis First Nation) and Hannah Connelly speak with renowned Canadian Baritone opera singer James Westman, who plays Louis Riel/Robideau in Li Keur, Riel's Heart of the North. They talk about Westman's journey from the Vienna Boys Choir to the opera stage, the influence of his mother, who played piano for June Carter and Johnny Cash, the importance of collaboration in the Truth and Reconciliation process and Covid-19's influence on the world of performing arts!

Li Keur Podcast: Episode One with Dr. Suzanne M. Steele

In this first episode of the Li Keur podcast, Bryna Link (Peguis First Nation) and Hannah Connelly spoke with Dr. Suzanne M. Steele about her creative process, the importance of listening in storytelling, the legacy of Indigenous women and hear some excerpts from the Li Keur dramatic musical text. This podcast was created to document the process of creating an Indigenous-/ non-Indigenous collaboration, with interviews from people who have been involved with Li Keur, Riel's Heart of the North.