Keeper of Stories

		*Keeper of Stories*
		Note: Sound files are recorded in Windows Media Format.
		*Keeper of Stories: This song paints an image of a storyteller, as exemplified by Emily General, a Mohawk elder, who told me many stories years ago.*
		Running With the Wolves”: This song is about women's striving for self-knowledge, healing and growth.
		Song of the Narrows: Near Orillia, Ontario are the remnants of fish weirs, dated by archeologists at more than four thousand years old. From information collected by a Native historian at Rama, I have attempted to form a picture of what life was like at that spot, for the people who were considered to be among the best hunters, healers and counselors.
Listen		Miracle: When a white buffalo calf was born several years ago, on the American plains, many elders considered that a prophecy of the Lakota Sioux had been fulfilled. The song is based on a videotaped interview with one of those elders, who related the story of White Buffalo Calf Woman.
Listen		Drumsong: This song recounts a dream that I had several years ago, when I was considering the use of a drum in my performances. I had misgivings about the playing of a drum by a woman, but the dream led me to proceed.
		Perfume of Roses: On a trip to Cape Breton, I visited an island in Lake Bras d'Or, the site of Micmac gatherings in times past. An elder told the story of the island. Lush wild roses filled the air with their perfume and created a lasting memory of that sacred spot. The song opens with traditional words, "The old man told us".
Listen		Three Sisters: This is the story of the three main crops cultivated by many Native peoples, corn, beans and squash. There are many stories of the Three Sisters. As far as I have been able to research, this version is Huron in origin. It was told to me by one of the interpreters at Centennial Museum, in Penetanguishene.
Listen		Gather the Children: Friends, who have lived in the Republic of Congo for many years, told me about the old way of life in jungle villages. The women shared stories with children, around the cooking fires at dawn. This story illustrates how oral traditions are passed on and treasured by Aboriginal Peoples around the world.
Listen		Moontime: Women are connected to the cycles of the moon.This can often be experienced as a time of heightened sensitivity, emotion and dreams. In some Native cultures, women withdrew to a women's lodge during their menses, to seek out inner guidance, in the company of their sisters. They sought to honour their visions by bringing back gifts for others and using their experiences to promote personal, family and community healing.
		Grandmothers' Song: I have no doubts that when we call on the Grandmothers, they will hear us. From the spirit world, they watch over us, still care for us. If we are open to their influence, they offer guidance and assistance.