A concert by Theresa “Bear” Fox

Abstract

Theresa “Bear” Fox is a prolific singer and songwriter from the Mohawk Nation at Akwesasne. During this concert, she will present songs from her eight CD albums highlighting Akwesasne culture. The ancestral land of the Akwesasne community of about 12,000 people spreads across both banks of the St. Lawrence River and intersects Quebec, Ontario, and New York State. Bear Fox's music is deeply rooted in her living indigenous tradition. Following Akwesasne culture, Bear Fox's songs often have a specific function. Some songs are healing songs, and others are provided as gifts to family members. Bear Fox writes her lyrics in both Mohawk language and English, which will give the audience the opportunity to listen to the authentic sound of the Akwesasne music tradition and directly experience the meaning of words in the larger context of Native American songs. During the concert, Bear Fox will explain how each song has a story that is grown from a planted seed. Songs are often written to honor Mother Earth, mothers, water, wind, Grandmother Moon, and our newborns. Bear Fox believes in the positive message that can come from songs, which is a central part of the Mohawk culture.