Indigenous music in Canada spans a vast timeline from 1000 BC to the present day, playing a vital role in the cultural and ceremonial life of various First Nations communities. Central to this musical tradition is the drum, which comes in various forms such as ceremonial, water, and war drums.
Chanting is very popular. Songs and music are
used for ceremonies such as song dances and sweat
lodges.Songs and music are a way of telling stories
and keeping their history alive.
Melodies are simple and repetitive.
Indiginous music has only melody. Their is no
harmony. Its rhythm is irregular.
The human voice is the first instrument
of all first nations.
The Drum
beats are steady and build in strength and volume at the start then slowd own in strength and volume at the end.
Subtopic
Ceremonial drums
The size and shape
depends on what the drumer wants
to do with them.
Water drums
War drums
Drums for healing
it is said that " druming is the heartbeat of
Mother Earth."
Instruments
Striking sticks were made out of
animal antlers, rattles were made
from gourds. Some instruments were beautifully painted.
Instruments are hand made
from things found in nature
like seeds, trees and animals