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An Aboriginal Carol
On the White Ravens' Outstanding New International Books for Children and Young Adults list, 2008 Canadian Children's Book Centre Our Choice, 2009.
Before the angels stars grew dim
And wondering hunters heard their hymn
One mystic flute - one hundred drums
One message clear, "A King has come!"
Not one had ever seen the like
By light of day or moon of night
Before the angels stars grew dim
And wondering hunters heard this hymn. . .
An Aboriginal Carol is the ultimate Aboriginal collaboration: poetry by Metis poet David Bouchard, paintings by First Nations artist Moses Beaver, and the music of Inuit performer Susan Aglukark.
Best-selling Canadian author David Bouchard reworks Canada's oldest and most well-known carol, The Huron Carol. The art of Moses Beaver, from the fly-in reserve of Summer Beaver, Ontario (Nikinamik), resonates and awakens an awareness that is at once exciting and empowering, a way for all people to understand the birth of Christ from an Aboriginal worldview. The pride of the north, Susan Aglukark, interprets, for the first time, the revered carol.
Before the angels stars grew dim
And wondering hunters heard their hymn
One mystic flute - one hundred drums
One message clear, "A King has come!"
Not one had ever seen the like
By light of day or moon of night
Before the angels stars grew dim
And wondering hunters heard this hymn. . .
An Aboriginal Carol is the ultimate Aboriginal collaboration: poetry by Metis poet David Bouchard, paintings by First Nations artist Moses Beaver, and the music of Inuit performer Susan Aglukark.
Best-selling Canadian author David Bouchard reworks Canada's oldest and most well-known carol, The Huron Carol. The art of Moses Beaver, from the fly-in reserve of Summer Beaver, Ontario (Nikinamik), resonates and awakens an awareness that is at once exciting and empowering, a way for all people to understand the birth of Christ from an Aboriginal worldview. The pride of the north, Susan Aglukark, interprets, for the first time, the revered carol.
Written in English and in Inuktituk, the language of Canada's Inuit people, the book is accompanied by a CD, which includes a reading in both languages and a performance by Susan. An Aboriginal Carol is certain to become a classic.
One of Canada's bestselling and award winning authors, David Bouchard is of Metis descent. The author of over two dozen best-selling books, his If You're Not from the Prairie is on Maclean's list of the top 20 Canadian children's books. David Bouchard was a teacher and a principal for many years before turning to writing. For more information, visit www.davidbouchard.com.
Moses (Amik) Beaver is from the isolated fly-in community of Nibinamik, (Summer Beaver) 500 kilometers north of Thunder Bay in Northern Ontario. While Moses work reflects the black lines of traditional Woodlands art, he embraces his own unique style of embedded images of spirits, human faces and animal forms, transcending physical boundaries to the outer dimensions of the spiritual realm. The images tell stories, represent ancient teachings of his people and remind those who gaze on the work, we are all connected to each other and the natural world. For more information, visit www.mosesbeaver.com.
Singer/songwriter Susan Aglukark is one of Canada's most unique artist's and a leading voice in Canadian music. She blends the Inuktituk and English languages with contemporary pop music arrangements to tell the stories of her people, the Unuit of Arctic Canada. She is rapidly becoming known as an uplifting motivational speaker, able to reach both youth and adult audiences alike. For more information, visit www.susanaglukark.com.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published October 4, 2007
38 people want to read
About the author
David Bouchard
79 books38 followersCanadian Métis author and literacy advocate David Bouchard has produced more than fifty books for readers of all ages, including two guides on reading for parents and educators.
An erstwhile teacher and school principal, he is particularly concerned with Aboriginal-related issues and is a sought-after speaker for conference keynotes and school presentations and on topics of reading, literacy and aboriginal well-being.
David Bouchard's books have won numerous awards, including a Special Mention for Non-Fiction in the 2010 Bologna Ragazzi Awards for The Drum Calls Softly, a Gold Medal in the 2008 Moonbeam Award for I am Raven, the 2004 Governor General's Award for The Song Within My Heart, the 1999 Red Cedar Award for The Great Race and the 1997 Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry Award for Voices from the Wild. An Aboriginal Carol was included in the 2008 White Ravens Catalogue.
In April 2009, Bouchard was named as a Member of the Order of Canada "for his contributions as an author of children’s books and an advocate who has championed the cause of reading and writing, and who has shared his pride as a member of the Métis community through his stories."
David lives in Victoria, British Columbia, with his wife Vicki and their daughter Victoria.
-taken from the author's website
An erstwhile teacher and school principal, he is particularly concerned with Aboriginal-related issues and is a sought-after speaker for conference keynotes and school presentations and on topics of reading, literacy and aboriginal well-being.
David Bouchard's books have won numerous awards, including a Special Mention for Non-Fiction in the 2010 Bologna Ragazzi Awards for The Drum Calls Softly, a Gold Medal in the 2008 Moonbeam Award for I am Raven, the 2004 Governor General's Award for The Song Within My Heart, the 1999 Red Cedar Award for The Great Race and the 1997 Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry Award for Voices from the Wild. An Aboriginal Carol was included in the 2008 White Ravens Catalogue.
In April 2009, Bouchard was named as a Member of the Order of Canada "for his contributions as an author of children’s books and an advocate who has championed the cause of reading and writing, and who has shared his pride as a member of the Métis community through his stories."
David lives in Victoria, British Columbia, with his wife Vicki and their daughter Victoria.
-taken from the author's website
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
February 21, 2024
With the 2007 picture book An Aboriginal Carol Canadian Métis author David Bouchard (and yes, I personally do indeed consider Bouchard to be Métis even though his background has been questioned) teams up with First Nations artist Moses Beaver and Inuit musician Susan Aglukark to produce a lushly illustrated dual language English/Inuktitut version of Canada's oldest (and with that I mean not originating elsewhere) Christmas carol, of the Huron Carol, with David Bouchard providing a reworked and slightly expanded textual treatment of Jesse Edgar Middleton's 1926 English language adaptation of Father Jean de Bréboeuf's 1642 and penned in the Wyandot language of the Hurons Jesous Ahatoniha, Susan Aglukark's Inuktitut text being located in syllabics immediately below the English words, and that yes indeed, An Aboriginal Carol also comes with a compact disc that has David Bouchard reading his English language words and Aglukark both reading and then also singing the latter in Inuktitut.
And with regard to my own and personal reaction to An Aboriginal Carol, yes and certainly, Moses Beaver's illustrations are absolutely and totally aesthetically spectacular and as such wonderfully provide a gorgeously detailed, lushly authentic (and delightful) First Nations themed visual mirror to and for both David Bouchard's English language adaptation and also Susan Aglukark's Inuktitut translation (and with my only and mild irritation regarding the syllabics of An Aboriginal Carol being that I really do wish that An Aboriginal Carol would either also show the Inuktitut text using Latin based letters or provide a legend at the back indicating which syllabic is meant for which Latin based letter or letter combination). But well, as to what David Bouchard is textually providing in An Aboriginal Carol, I am indeed both joyful and also at times a trifle frustrated. Because albeit I do appreciate that Bouchard has in An Aboriginal Carol reworked Jesse Edgar Middleton's 1926 adaptation of Jesous Ahahtoniha, of the Huron Carol by adding more (and also realistic, authentic) First Nations contents, culture and thematics, I really do wish that the Gitschi Manitou moniker Middleton used for God would be removed by Bouchard, since Gitschi Manitou is an Algonquian term and Jesous Ahatoniha was of course written by Jean de Bréboeuf for the Hurons (and they of course would not be using the term Gitschi Manitou).
Furthermore, and finally, considering that Jean de Bréboeuf actually wrote Jesous Ahatoniha in the Wyandot language of the Hurons and that his 1642 text is in fact quite a bit different from the 1926 Huron Carol English language adaptation (and that said adaptation is now also often considered a bit controversial, culturally appropriating and sometimes even erroneous), frankly, I think that as a preface for An Aboriginal Carol, David Bouchard should most definitely be providing information on Jean de Bréboeuf and on the genesis of Jesous Ahatoniha as well as presenting both the original Wyandot text and a direct translation of this, and yes indeed, that the information about Deganawidah featured by Bouchard in the preface and how he is supposedly considered to be another manifestation of Jesus Christ by some First Nations, yes, I really and truly do not understand why Bouchard has even included this information in An Aboriginal, Carol, since he never expands on this in any way and that there are also no tie-ins at all with regard to the main textual body of An Aboriginal Carol.
And with regard to my own and personal reaction to An Aboriginal Carol, yes and certainly, Moses Beaver's illustrations are absolutely and totally aesthetically spectacular and as such wonderfully provide a gorgeously detailed, lushly authentic (and delightful) First Nations themed visual mirror to and for both David Bouchard's English language adaptation and also Susan Aglukark's Inuktitut translation (and with my only and mild irritation regarding the syllabics of An Aboriginal Carol being that I really do wish that An Aboriginal Carol would either also show the Inuktitut text using Latin based letters or provide a legend at the back indicating which syllabic is meant for which Latin based letter or letter combination). But well, as to what David Bouchard is textually providing in An Aboriginal Carol, I am indeed both joyful and also at times a trifle frustrated. Because albeit I do appreciate that Bouchard has in An Aboriginal Carol reworked Jesse Edgar Middleton's 1926 adaptation of Jesous Ahahtoniha, of the Huron Carol by adding more (and also realistic, authentic) First Nations contents, culture and thematics, I really do wish that the Gitschi Manitou moniker Middleton used for God would be removed by Bouchard, since Gitschi Manitou is an Algonquian term and Jesous Ahatoniha was of course written by Jean de Bréboeuf for the Hurons (and they of course would not be using the term Gitschi Manitou).
Furthermore, and finally, considering that Jean de Bréboeuf actually wrote Jesous Ahatoniha in the Wyandot language of the Hurons and that his 1642 text is in fact quite a bit different from the 1926 Huron Carol English language adaptation (and that said adaptation is now also often considered a bit controversial, culturally appropriating and sometimes even erroneous), frankly, I think that as a preface for An Aboriginal Carol, David Bouchard should most definitely be providing information on Jean de Bréboeuf and on the genesis of Jesous Ahatoniha as well as presenting both the original Wyandot text and a direct translation of this, and yes indeed, that the information about Deganawidah featured by Bouchard in the preface and how he is supposedly considered to be another manifestation of Jesus Christ by some First Nations, yes, I really and truly do not understand why Bouchard has even included this information in An Aboriginal, Carol, since he never expands on this in any way and that there are also no tie-ins at all with regard to the main textual body of An Aboriginal Carol.
November 19, 2018
Metis children's author David Bouchard - whose other bilingual picture-books with First Nations content include
The Drum Calls Softly
(English/Cree),
Nokum Is My Teacher
(English/Cree), and
Long Powwow Nights
(English/Mi'kmaq) - teams up here with illustrator Moses Beaver, of the Nibinamik people of northern Ontario, and Inuit musician Susan Aglukark, to produce this beautiful Christmas celebration.
The English text, reworked by Bouchard, is based upon the famous The Huron Carol (Jesous Ahatonhia), written by Jesuit missionary Jean de Brébeuf in 1643, in which the story of the nativity is retold in indigenous idiom - the stable becomes a "lodge of broken bark," the shepherds, hunters. An Inuktitut translation, using the Inuktitut syllabary, is provided by Aglukark, whose narration of the same, together with two musical tracks (the Inuktituk version of the carol), and Bouchard's narration of the English, are included on the accompanying four-track CD.
Although I have read the Iroquois saga of Deganawidah, the Peacemaker, in White Roots of Peace: The Iroquois Book of Life , and am therefore familiar with his story, I was not aware that some people consider him another manifestation of Christ. I'm not sure, all things considered, that Bouchard needed to include that information, in his brief prefatory comments, as he never expands upon it, and the book stands very well on its own. It's fascinating that a carol originally written in Huron, then translated into English, is here presented in English, with Inuktituk translation - from native, to non-native, to native again.
The English text, reworked by Bouchard, is based upon the famous The Huron Carol (Jesous Ahatonhia), written by Jesuit missionary Jean de Brébeuf in 1643, in which the story of the nativity is retold in indigenous idiom - the stable becomes a "lodge of broken bark," the shepherds, hunters. An Inuktitut translation, using the Inuktitut syllabary, is provided by Aglukark, whose narration of the same, together with two musical tracks (the Inuktituk version of the carol), and Bouchard's narration of the English, are included on the accompanying four-track CD.
Although I have read the Iroquois saga of Deganawidah, the Peacemaker, in White Roots of Peace: The Iroquois Book of Life , and am therefore familiar with his story, I was not aware that some people consider him another manifestation of Christ. I'm not sure, all things considered, that Bouchard needed to include that information, in his brief prefatory comments, as he never expands upon it, and the book stands very well on its own. It's fascinating that a carol originally written in Huron, then translated into English, is here presented in English, with Inuktituk translation - from native, to non-native, to native again.
October 17, 2012
Love this story as it brings me back to my childhood. To combine my favourite author and favourite musician together ...awesome!
September 7, 2016
Worldview - Christian from a Aboriginal Perspective
Language - English
Inuktitut - Please note I have neither read the Inuktitut text, nor am I qualified to give
an appropriate review of it.
French - Please note I have neither read the French edition, nor am I qualified to give
an appropriate review of it.
Setting:
Location - Canada, New France Time Period - 1600’s, New France
Review
A lovely adaption and rewriting of the Huron Carol, telling the story of Jesus’ birth in the far North of Canada. Written by a Metis author, illustrated by a First Nations artist and preformed and translated by an Inuit musician, this is a wonderful collaboration. The lyrics are beautiful, working nicely as a poem or song.
Children will enjoy bright and colorful aboriginal artwork with creatures and faces hidden throughout the woodland scenes.
The original Huron Carol was written by Jean de Brébeuf, a Jesuit priest and martyr who worked at Saint Marie in Ontario. It was written to help the Wendat (Huron) people understand the Christmas story. When he tried to explain the story with mangers, camels and donkeys there were no words for these things in the Huron language, nor could the people understand these concepts. He wrote the carol in the language and environment the people could understand.
The book includes text in both English and Inuktitut. There is an audio CD included with readings in both languages, but the song is sung only in Inuktitut. This appears to be an error because there are four tracks on the CD.
1 English Reading
2 Inuktitut Song
3 Inuktitut Reading
4 Inuktitut Song
Teacher Application
A fun and interesting aboriginal addition to classroom Christmas celebrations.
It could be used in the study of Native folklore and mythology, as there are very similar stories in the aboriginal lore.
This would be a nice book to include in a study of the Jesuit Missionaries in New France. It would pair nicely with a more traditional version of the Carol. It was written originally in French and Huron, later translated into English.
The Huron Carol
The 1926 English version by Jesse Edgar Middleton.
'Twas in the moon of winter-time
When all the birds had fled,
That mighty Gitchi Manitou
Sent angel choirs instead;
Before their light the stars grew dim,
And wandering hunters heard the hymn:
"Jesus your King is born, Jesus is born,
In excelsis gloria."
Within a lodge of broken bark
The tender Babe was found,
A ragged robe of rabbit skin
Enwrapp'd His beauty round;
But as the hunter braves drew nigh,
The angel song rang loud and high...
"Jesus your King is born, Jesus is born,
In excelsis gloria."
The earliest moon of wintertime
Is not so round and fair
As was the ring of glory
On the helpless infant there.
The chiefs from far before him knelt
With gifts of fox and beaver pelt.
Jesus your King is born, Jesus is born,
In excelsis gloria.
O children of the forest free,
O sons of Manitou,
The Holy Child of earth and heaven
Is born today for you.
Come kneel before the radiant Boy
Who brings you beauty, peace and joy.
"Jesus your King is born, Jesus is born,
In excelsis gloria."
Parental Warning
This book tells the Christmas story from an aboriginal perspective, some may feel too much liberty has been taken with a Biblical story.
Language - English
Inuktitut - Please note I have neither read the Inuktitut text, nor am I qualified to give
an appropriate review of it.
French - Please note I have neither read the French edition, nor am I qualified to give
an appropriate review of it.
Setting:
Location - Canada, New France Time Period - 1600’s, New France
Review
A lovely adaption and rewriting of the Huron Carol, telling the story of Jesus’ birth in the far North of Canada. Written by a Metis author, illustrated by a First Nations artist and preformed and translated by an Inuit musician, this is a wonderful collaboration. The lyrics are beautiful, working nicely as a poem or song.
Children will enjoy bright and colorful aboriginal artwork with creatures and faces hidden throughout the woodland scenes.
The original Huron Carol was written by Jean de Brébeuf, a Jesuit priest and martyr who worked at Saint Marie in Ontario. It was written to help the Wendat (Huron) people understand the Christmas story. When he tried to explain the story with mangers, camels and donkeys there were no words for these things in the Huron language, nor could the people understand these concepts. He wrote the carol in the language and environment the people could understand.
The book includes text in both English and Inuktitut. There is an audio CD included with readings in both languages, but the song is sung only in Inuktitut. This appears to be an error because there are four tracks on the CD.
1 English Reading
2 Inuktitut Song
3 Inuktitut Reading
4 Inuktitut Song
Teacher Application
A fun and interesting aboriginal addition to classroom Christmas celebrations.
It could be used in the study of Native folklore and mythology, as there are very similar stories in the aboriginal lore.
This would be a nice book to include in a study of the Jesuit Missionaries in New France. It would pair nicely with a more traditional version of the Carol. It was written originally in French and Huron, later translated into English.
The Huron Carol
The 1926 English version by Jesse Edgar Middleton.
'Twas in the moon of winter-time
When all the birds had fled,
That mighty Gitchi Manitou
Sent angel choirs instead;
Before their light the stars grew dim,
And wandering hunters heard the hymn:
"Jesus your King is born, Jesus is born,
In excelsis gloria."
Within a lodge of broken bark
The tender Babe was found,
A ragged robe of rabbit skin
Enwrapp'd His beauty round;
But as the hunter braves drew nigh,
The angel song rang loud and high...
"Jesus your King is born, Jesus is born,
In excelsis gloria."
The earliest moon of wintertime
Is not so round and fair
As was the ring of glory
On the helpless infant there.
The chiefs from far before him knelt
With gifts of fox and beaver pelt.
Jesus your King is born, Jesus is born,
In excelsis gloria.
O children of the forest free,
O sons of Manitou,
The Holy Child of earth and heaven
Is born today for you.
Come kneel before the radiant Boy
Who brings you beauty, peace and joy.
"Jesus your King is born, Jesus is born,
In excelsis gloria."
Parental Warning
This book tells the Christmas story from an aboriginal perspective, some may feel too much liberty has been taken with a Biblical story.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews