Drum, Decorated with Seal, Otter and, Salmon and Beater, July 1983
Music is culture. The Musqueam community residing in their unceded territories in present-day Vancouver, British Columbia, carry drum and song as the lifeblood of their musical tradition. In addition to being a sacred art form, it is a form of storytelling, prayer, and connection to the land, ancestors, and community. Today, we will explore the complexities and symbolic representation of Musqueam drumming and singing. This tradition carries the spirit of a nation that has thrived along the Fraser River for time immemorial.
The Voice of Musqueam Tradition
Drumming and singing are the essence of Musqueam musical tradition, central to ceremonies, gatherings, and daily life. The drum, often described as the heartbeat of Mother Earth, is a living entity that bridges the physical and spiritual worlds. Its deep, resonant sound carries prayers and messages to ancestors and the Creator, creating a powerful, unifying pulse.
Accompanied by the drum, songs in the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ language articulate stories of creation, honor the natural world, and celebrate the resilience of the Musqueam people. These songs are passed down orally, ensuring that their traditions remain alive. Different types of songs serve specific purposes—welcome songs that acknowledge guests, honoring songs that pay tribute to individuals or the land, and healing songs that bring spiritual and emotional restoration. Their melodies are often repetitive and meditative, with lyrics rich in imagery of the river, sky, and animals that inhabit Musqueam territory.
Drumming and singing are integral to Musqueam ceremonies, especially in significant moments such as births, memorials, and Indigenous People’s Day. The steady rhythm of the drum blends with the singer’s voice, creating an atmosphere of reverence and reflection. This shared musical experience is more than a performance; it’s a spiritual and cultural connection that continues to celebrate tradition and strengthen the Musqueam community.
Preserving and Revitalizing Musqueam Music
Though drumming and singing were suppressed during the colonial era, the Musqueam people continue to preserve and revitalize their musical heritage by sharing it with the broader community to educate and foster understanding. Furthermore, elders pass down songs and drumming techniques to younger generations, often during community events, such as powwows and cultural workshops. Musqueam heritage has also been blended with modern musical innovations to create new art forms, an example being Christie Lee Charles’s rap music performed in hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓.
How to Listen and Learn
- Check out some Musqueam artists and support their work!
- Christie Lee Charles on SoundCloud: Stream Miss Christie Lee – “Experience” by RPMfm | Listen online for free on SoundCloud
- Alec Dan’s experience and short performance: Alec Dan xʷməθkʷəy̓əm Musqueam Welcome and song
- Henry Charles’ drum and song performance: Musqueam Language Speaker Henry Charles singing and opening the Vancouver Folk Music Festival 2016
- Visit the Musqueam website to discover more!
Disclaimer
*To learn more about the Musqueam First Nation and their cultural practices, visit their official website or connect with local Indigenous organizations in British Columbia.
**While we strive to provide accurate and respectful information, we acknowledge that cultural knowledge is deeply rooted in lived experience and oral tradition. Thus, we acknowledge potential misinterpretations in this post and encourage readers to engage directly with Musqueam First Nation resources for a more authentic understanding.