Description
An Aboriginal Carol is a 2008 release from Red Deer Press that truly represents the collaboration of Métis author David Bouchard, Inuk musician Susan Aglukark, and Ojibwe artist Moses Beaver. Each artist brings their unique talents to a revised version of the “Huron Carol”. Based on the original “Jesus ahatonhia” written by Jean de Brebeuf around 1643 this song was translated into English by Jesse Edgar Middleton in 1926. It was Middleton who incorrectly added the Ojibwe terms Manitou and Gitchi Manitou to the song originally written in Wendat. This picture book contains an audio CD with the readings of the carol in English and Inuktitut as well as the Huron Carol performed in Inuktitut by Susan Aglukark. Susan also translated the original carol from English to Inuktitut syllabics. Written in English and in Inuktitut the book provides a dual language experience. The Woodland style artwork by Moses Beaver compliments the song poem. In the introductory notes author David Bouchard states that according to First Nations knowledge, Jesus Christ first appeared in North America (Turtle Island) as the Haudenosaunee Peacemaker who is responsible for the Great Law of Peace. This makes an excellent read-aloud book for children and adults. Ideal for the Christmas season.