Inuit throat songs as ringtones

First nations music will ring out to the world

Songs once destined for extinction will be heard on mobile telephones and will bridge the divide between ancient traditions and youth culture[N]ow, with the help of the Four Host First Nations, throat-singing and a lot of other native songs are literally about to ring out all over the world.

Later this month, the FHFN will upload onto its website several electronic files of Inuit throat-singers that people can download as ring tones for their mobile phones.

It's not just Inuit songs that will be available.

The lyrical fiddle jigs of the Metis, drums of British Columbia first nations, ceremonial songs of the Cree and even contemporary aboriginal blues and rock 'n' roll will be available as ring tone downloads.

The idea is the brainchild of Tewanee Joseph, executive director of the FHFN, and several others who see the unique ring tones as a way of bridging the divide between the traditions of first people and youth.

"You have to remember that 60 per cent of aboriginal population in Canada is under the age of 30," Joseph said. "What we want to do is drive pride in our culture, and this is one way of doing it."Comment:  For more on the subject, see Native Participation in 2010 Olympics.

Below:  "Tewanee Joseph sees unique ring tones bridging traditions." (Photograph by: Ward Perrin, Vancouver Sun files, Vancouver Sun)