Huron Carol

The Huron Carol acknowledges the significant cultural and historical importance of the story of the Nativity, describing the birth of Jesus Christ in a setting that is relatable to Huron people through the music of Tom Jackson and other indigenous artists. 

Transcript

SPEAKER_00 0:19

This is Acoustic Avenue. I am Ted Crouch, your host in Salmon Arm, British Columbia, with co-producer Joe Little in Calgary, Alberta. On Acoustic Avenue, we recognize with respect and gratitude that these lands where we live, work, and make our music remain home to a number of indigenous nations and people. We acknowledge this land out of respect for the indigenous nations who have cared for Turtle Island, also called North America, from before the arrival of settler peoples until this day. The Huron Carol, also known as Jesu Ahatonia, is a Christmas hymn written in the 17th century by a French Jesuit missionary named Jean de Brebeuf. He composed the Carol in the Huron language in the region of New France, which is now part of Canada. The Carol tells the story of the nativity, describing the birth of Jesus Christ in a setting that is relatable to the Huron people. It draws parallels between the Christian nativity story and the Huron culture using imagery and references that would be familiar to the indigenous people of that region. Today's show, The Huron Carol, acknowledges the significant cultural and historical importance of the story through the music of Tom Jackson and other indigenous artists. To begin the first set, Here is Tom with a brief Bible passage, and then he sings the first Noel. He is followed by Brendan Strong, featuring Fawn Wood, and a song Brendan wrote called Merry Christmas, sung in Cree. Then Jana Mashoni of Lumby and Toscarora Descent sings What a Child Is This in Cherokee, and Susan Agloukark ends the set with Amazing Grace, sung in Inweek.

SPEAKER_04 2:24

And it came to pass in those days that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed, and all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went out from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, to be taxed with Mary, his espoused wife being great with child. And so it was that while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered, and she brought forth her firstborn son.

SPEAKER_09 6:22

Merry Christmas to you and happy no It's so wonderful feeling to see everybody happy and with joy.

SPEAKER_00 15:04

Tom Jackson is a Canadian actor and singer, and well known for his philanthropic efforts, particularly through his annual Huron Carol concert series that began in 1987. Recently, Tom was honored as a recipient of the Order of the Red Cross for this work. These concerts often featured his rendition of the Huron Carol and were organized to raise funds for local food banks and support various charitable initiatives, especially during the Christmas season. Tom presented another of his Christmas specials called Singing for Supper for an audience in the shoe swap in 2010 and filled the next symbol, generating thousands of dollars as a contribution for our local food bank. In this next set, Tom will open with Christmas is a wish. And we end the set with Robbie Robertson and Christmas must be tonight.

SPEAKER_04 22:01

If you take good heed to the savings work, right up the file. You forget your flops, you forget your her. Right off, separate. Leave your ears and leave your land.

SPEAKER_03 22:27

Right after Leave your feet.

SPEAKER_04 22:34

And leave your right. Friday.

SPEAKER_00 27:49

This is Acoustic Avenue. Opening the second half of today's program, we have selected three songs. Though distinct in their cultural influences and storytelling, they collectively contribute to the diverse tapestry of Christmas music and celebrations. Each song showcases the universality of the Christmas spirit while incorporating elements from different cultural perspectives. Little Drummer Boy tells the tale of a young boy who plays his drum for the baby Jesus as a gift. It is performed by Jana Mashoni from her album American Indian Christmas, which includes ten different Christmas songs sung in ten different Native American languages. Janna sings Little Drummer Boy in Tewa, a Tanoon family of languages spoken by some Pueblo people living in the Rio Grande Valley in New Mexico, north of Santa Fe, and in Arizona. She'll be followed by Tom Jackson singing Friendly Beasts, a song emphasizing the participation of animals in the Nativity story. The set ends with Native American Night Before Christmas by Imon Predi and Harlan Mekucosato, offering a unique retelling of the classic Christmas poem Twas the Night Before Christmas with a distinct cultural perspective incorporating native imagery, characters, and tradition. To begin this set, Tom recites a brief passage from the Bible.

SPEAKER_04 29:35

And there were in the same country shepherds, abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round them, and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not, for I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior which is Christ the Lord, and this shall be a sign unto you, and ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

SPEAKER_07 30:53

We see it, Baba Rabba Bama Bans. It's Sunday, Rabba Bam, Rabbi, Rabus.

SPEAKER_04 34:23

And the friendly beasts around him stood. Jesus, our brother kind and good. I said the donkey shaggy and brown. I carried his mother uphill and down. I carried her safely to Bethlehem town. I said the donkey shaggy and brown. I said the sheep with curly horn. I gave him my wool for a blanket warm and he wore my coat on Christmas morn. I said the sheep with curly horn. I said the dove from the rafter's eye. I cooed him to sleep so he should not cry. We cooed him to sleep on my love and die. I said the dove from the rafters eye thus every beast fellow by some good spell in the stable dark was glad to tell of the gifts he gave me manual of the gifts he gave me manual He manuel The friendly bear.

SPEAKER_01 36:57

Not a creature was calling. Nothing creepy. The moccasins were hung from the large poles with hair. The kids were nestled off snug in their bed, while visions of choke church danced in their heads. And I and my Pendleton and Ma in her skin had just cuddled up cozy against cold winter winds. When out in the camp rose a noise so humongous, I thought a wildcat had sneaked in among us. Up I jumped and ran through the clutter, threw back the flap, and made the lodge shutter. The moon and the stars in the night sky were blinking. Like the headlight that shines on my 69 Lincoln. When what could my wandering eyes didn't show? But an old wooden sleigh and ate buffalo. With a pump little driver who was so well fed, I thought for a minute it was flying frybread. Like thundering clouds, these mammoths, they came. And he whistled and shot it. Called them by name. Now Harjo, now Red Bow, now Gino and Soodle. I'm tall chief, I'm Jimboy, on White Cloud, and Cheryl Hoodle. To the top of the trees, to the top of the bushes. He yelled, draw your fur and move your cushions. Like pinecorns caught and tossed by a whirlwind and suspended in air by the magic of medicine up to the lodge top. The bison, they flew with a sleigh full of commodities, and the old Indian, too. Then in a moment, they froze there in space. And I felt all the color drain from my face. I turned back inside just as quick as wings. And down the smoke hole. He was dressed in red buckskin from his head to his foot. With beworking friends. He really looked good. A medicine bundle he had by his side. On his back, a large bag made of buffalo. Made of white turkey feathers. His skin was as wrinkled as sunbaked earth. But none of these things told him his work. He spoke not a word, but used sign language instead. Filled all the moccasins with toys and fry bread. He gave me a wing and took to his flight. Up to the smoke, into the slave. Awakening his dream with a hearty. I heard him exclaim as they thundered out of sight. Merry Christmas! Oh my relationship.

SPEAKER_00 40:41

Tom Jackson, who is of Korean and English ancestry, brought a unique perspective to the Huron Carol. His indigenous heritage added depth and resonance to the song, bridging cultural connections between indigenous traditions and the story of the Huron Carol. His rendition has helped to bring attention to the rich cultural heritage and traditions of indigenous peoples in Canada. Through his music and performances, he has raised awareness about indigenous culture and history, contributing to a wider appreciation and understanding of their traditions. It is significant not only for its musical beauty, but also for its role in promoting cultural awareness, fostering connections between different cultural traditions and supporting charitable causes. In this set, you will hear Susan Lukar with O come all ye faithful song in Inweed. She will be followed by Janna Matroni, singing O Holy Night in Navajo, and Tom Jackson will end today's show with his recording of the Huron Carol. We begin with a recitation from the Bible by Tom.

SPEAKER_04 41:59

Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of Herod the king, behold there came three wise men from the east, saying, Where is he that is born king? For we have seen his star in the east, and we have come to worship him. And when they had heard, they departed, and lo, the star which they saw in the east went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was born.

SPEAKER_07 46:36

BJ Big Black.

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Set angel fire since before their light the stars grew dim, and one dream hunters heard the name Jesus your king is born. Jesus is born in a child since glory within a large broken bark. The tender babe was found A ragged robe of rabbit and a rabbit beauty round and down the hunter brave tonight. The angel song rang loud and ha ha king is born. The earliest moon of winter time is not surrounded there. That was the rain of glory on that felt. The fire before him belt with the floor and be prepared. O children of the forest tree. O sons of man, that holy child of earth and heaven is born today for you. Come through before the radiant boy who brings you beautiful peace and your border.

SPEAKER_00 54:58

Until next time, this is Ted Crouch signing off, and on behalf of Joe Little, from our hearts to yours, stay safe and love the ones you're with. Peace.