The Mi’kmaq Honour Song

Songwriter George Paul says his song idea came from a gathering of Indigenous
communities back in 1980. He was in Regina watching representatives from
different First Nations singing and dancing. He realized the Mi'kmaq didn't have a
song. He wanted to make something to share with his people. Many years later he
created a song.

George Paul is from Metepenagiag First Nation in New

Brunswick. (George Paul/Facebook)

"That's what our people need to bring back together, to honour who we are, the
people who we are, which brings about respect and dignity and identity for the
people. It's very important," said Paul. The Honour Song is simple, said Paul. But,
it communicates the emotions he felt when he was watching that gathering in
Regina so many years ago.

Now, that song is the national anthem of the Mi'kmaq. In 2016, every elementary
school music class in the province was given a Mi'kmaq hand drum so teachers
could share the song with students. The song is teaching elementary school
students about Mi'kmaq culture and traditions.
Adapted and abridged from https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/mi-kmaq-honour-song-george-paul-
nova-scotia-schools-1.4428912

Listen to the Mi’kmaq Honour Song

You can listen to this song and read the words on YouTube. Search for Mi’kmaq
Honour Song on YouTube.

Discussion Questions

1. What song is important to your culture and people?

2. Why did George Paul write the Mi’kmaq Honour Song?

3. Why is the song important?

4. Why is it important for all elementary school children to learn the song?

Vocabulary
a gathering (n)
representative (n)
to realize (vb)
to create (vb)
to honour (vb)
dignity (n)
identity (n)
to communicate (vb)
emotion (n)
national anthem (n)
Mi’kmaq hand drum (n)

Study the vocab before the lesson. Have students google Mi’kmaq hand drum and
search images. Ask if their cultures have similar drums.

Optional: Students can watch this video on how to make a Mi’kmaq hand drum.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hZ2ERrNLINc