Under The Northern Sky.com


 
Under The
Northern Sky
Stories Of The Cree - Audio Book
Xavier Kataquapit
The Music Group
Contact
Links


'Stories Of The Cree' - Audio Book CD is launched by Xavier Kataquapit. Read more about the new Audio Book CD by clicking on the 'Stories Of The Cree - Audio Book' link to the left. Or by clicking here

Under The Northern Sky is the title of a popular Aboriginal news column written by First Nation writer, Xavier Kataquapit, who is originally from Attawapiskat Ontario on the James Bay coast. The column is published regularly in seven newspapers across Canada. In addition to working as a First Nation columnist, he is also a regular contributor to the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) Fresh Air radio program.

Ron, Xavier and Philip Kataquapit going out onto James Bay in northern Ontario with a freighter canoe
HEADING OUT ONTO JAMES BAY in a traditional freighter canoe on a summer evening along the Attawapiskat River. Xavier (in the centre) is pictured with his cousin Ron Kataquapit (on the left) and Xavier's nephew Philip Kataquapit.

Kataquapit writes about his experiences as a First Nation Cree person. He has provided much insight into the James Bay Cree in regards to his people's culture and traditions. As a Cree writer, his stories tell of the people on the land in the area of Attawapiskat First Nation were he was born and raised. His stories provide images of the Canadian Indian and his people who once roamed the land freely. He writes about topics that are close to the heart of the Cree people such as the canada goose and the snow goose. These birds are an integral part of the James Bay Cree culture and spirituality. His stories touch on life in the past and today and relates to the Cree, Ojibway (Ojibwe) and Oji-Cree peoples of Northern Ontario.

Kataquapit's writing has served to open the lines of communication between First Nation and non native peoples in the Canadian north. His column, Under The Northern Sky, has also given his people a voice. In addition he has put a positive, strong and hopeful face on the people of the James Bay Coast. Non-Natives have benefited through the column by learning about the Cree Indian culture and Native culture in general in Northern Ontario and this has led to more understanding between the First Nations people and non-Native peoples.

"I did not realize the impact that my writing would have. Many people write, email or call me to thank me for telling the stories of the James Bay Cree. I feel very good about this journey and it has had a very positive affect on my own life," said Xavier.

 

Under The Northern Sky - The Music Group has been developing several projects over the past few years. Currently the group is busy developing a Compact Disk (CD) production titled, Nah-Pah-Shish (little boy in Cree Language).
A Photo of Ron Kataquapit, the singer songwriter of Under The Northern Sky - the music group
RON KATAQUAPIT, a member of Attawapiskat First Nation on the James Bay coast, is a singer-song writer who performs in the traditional Cree language of his people, as well as in English.
Two previous demo productions included "Spirit Of The Wolf" and "Facing Reality". Under The Northern Sky members include: Ron Kataquapit of Attawapiksat First Nation, Xavier Kataquapit of Attawapiskat First Nation, Michael McGrath of Iroquois Falls, Ontario and John Elliott of London, Ontario. Under The Northern Sky is a magical blend of cultures of Northern Canada with many of the songs of the Nah-Pah-Shish CD written and sung in the language of the James Bay Cree.

 

 

 

 


© 2007    Under The Northern Sky.com
All Original Native Artwork by Ron Kataquapit
website created and maintained by Under The Northern Sky
Hosted by Hostpapa.com