Elsie Yanik’s Lullaby in Cree

Elsie Yanik sings a Cree Lullaby at Lina Gallup’s place in Fort McKay during the 2016 Fort McMurray wildfire evacuation on May 3, 2016.

The late Elsie Yanik demonstrated harmony and balance were possible during the disaster and were a key to the continued existence of Indigenous knowledge and way of life.

Despite the great accomplishment of Elsie Yanik, the vital and most important of all that she has demonstrated is that you can live a traditional Indigenous way of life and also take advantage of the changes, new development, and even religious belief without losing your identity as an Indigenous person.

Transcription in Cree: Kiskispin kisagehen sema kutchamen

Translation to English: Cree Love Song: If you love me, kiss me right away