The most recent visit of Canada’s national orchestra to Eskasoni First Nation saw a youthful Emma Stevens, a Mi’kmaw singer-songwriter, volunteering at the event. Now, nearly a decade later, the 23-year-old artist will be performing her original music with the esteemed Ottawa-based National Arts Centre Orchestra as they embark on their 100th tour.
In a recent interview from her home in Eskasoni, Cape Breton, Stevens expressed excitement about showcasing the beauty of Mi’kmaw culture and language through her music. She gained global recognition in 2019 for her Mi’kmaw-language rendition of The Beatles’ “Blackbird,” a cover that went viral thanks to the translation efforts of Katani Julian and Albert Golydada Julian, and the production by her music teacher, Carter Chiasson.
Following the viral success of “Blackbird,” which garnered over 1.9 million views on YouTube and praise from Paul McCartney himself, Stevens has been actively performing and advocating for Indigenous issues, including language preservation and awareness about missing and murdered Indigenous women.
Stevens, who grew up speaking Mi’kmaw but struggled to maintain fluency after learning English in school, has been dedicated to relearning and reconnecting with her native language. She recently wrote her first song entirely in Mi’kmaw, a milestone that she hopes will inspire younger generations to embrace and preserve their linguistic heritage.
Excited about her upcoming performances in Eskasoni, Halifax, and Wolfville, Stevens will be presenting her Mi’kmaw version of “Blackbird” and an original composition titled “The Ballad of Shubenacadie,” a poignant piece co-written with Chiasson that sheds light on the Canadian residential school system.
In addition to Stevens, the orchestra’s tour will feature the acclaimed Wolastoqiyik composer and singer-songwriter Jeremy Dutcher, a member of Tobique First Nation in New Brunswick and a two-time Polaris Music Prize winner. Dutcher, who received the NAC Award at the Governor General’s Performing Arts Awards in 2025, will bring his unique voice and storytelling to the performances.
Stevens expressed admiration for Dutcher, highlighting his talent and ability to convey stories through music. Dutcher reciprocated the praise, emphasizing the celebration of music, language, and cultural resilience that the audience can expect during the tour.
Both artists are dedicated to preserving and promoting Indigenous music and language, a mission that holds personal significance for Dutcher, who was inspired by elder Maggie Paul to elevate traditional Indigenous songs with symphonic accompaniment.
The collaboration between these talented musicians and the National Arts Centre Orchestra promises a memorable celebration of Indigenous culture and artistry on Canadian soil.
