Chapter 13. Turtle Mountain Chippewa

Audio Examples

Buffalo Song
Francis, the leader of the group heard here, said: This song has been sung in the past as a ceremonial song. It's what's called a Buffalo Song. When they had a Buffalo Dance they sang this song there. That one says, "Buffalo, buffalo's coming in," he says, "and he's coming in my home, in my lodge."
Performed by the Pembina Chippewa Singers: Francis Creed, Boy Joe Fayant, and Leo J. Wilkie and recorded by Nicholas Vrooman. (Smithsonian Folkways Recordings album #40411, 1992 track #6)

Old Fred's White 99
Fred said: I used to help my grandpa. That's where I first started learning how to make it. I used to be the water boy. That's way back, oh, see, in 1928, I think. I was not very big.
Performed by Fred Parisien and recorded by Nicholas Vrooman. (Smithsonian Folkways Recordings album #40411, 1992 track #12)

Woodchopper's Breakdown
George said: Actually, they're all old calls, because from that time they just come down. I go according to what tune he plays. You match the tune. Otherwise, I call and he plays another tune, it sounds like hell. Timing, you got to have your rhythm in there. Don't tell me no different, 'cause I'm older than you.
Performed by George Longie (caller), Fred Allery (violin), and Norbert Lenoir (chorder) and recorded by Nicholas Vrooman. (Smithsonian Folkways Recordings album #40411, 1992 track #23)

Bush Music
Performed by Rod Poitra (rhythm, lead vocal), Cary F. Poitra (keyboard, backup vocals), Richard "Blue Eyes" Trottier (lead), F. Darryl J. Trottier (bass), "Mac" Bailey (drums), and Brian Johnson (backup vocal). (Smithsonian Folkways Recordings album #40411, 1992 track #32)

Notes for these examples were written by Nicholas Vrooman and published as liner notes in the 1979 Smithsonian Folkways Recordings album titled Plains Chippewa/Metis Music from Turtle Mountain Native Drums, Fiddles, Chansons and Rock & Roll.

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