Information/Write-up
Mary Thompson was born near Eskimo Point, on the northwest coast of Hudson Bay. Her father and mother were Kivallirmiut, a band of Caribou Inuit. She spoke little or no English as a child, but sang her first song for fun, just to see if she could do it. From that day on, she was constantly writing songs.
As a child Mary used to perform Inuit songs with her cousins at Christmas concerts in Eskimo Point. Her mother, a singer and storyteller, was also a major influence.
Mary Thompson has performed widely throughout the Kivalliq (Keewatin) Region of the Northwest Territories and throughout Canada.
She sings of people and events which are important in the lives of Inuit. She sings about environmental issues, the seal hunt and the effects of government, religious and commercial decisions on northern people. Using both traditional Inuit drum and guitar and electric guitar, synthesizer and general electronic effects, her modern sound and musical skills permit her to communicate effectively with young people as well as older Inuit. Her aim, she says, is to help her people to understand the ways of the white man, and to aid the white man in understanding the ways of her people.
She has been writing songs for more than 20 years, and has performed in public since the 1960s, but it was only 3 years before this album that she began to record her songs.
At this writing, Mary has returned to Chesterfield Inlet where she and her husband have made their home.
Mary Thompson: vocals
Billy Prescott: drums
Gary Sprecher: guitar
All songs composed by Mary Thompson
Produced by Gary Sprecher and Les McLaughlin
Music direction by Randall Prescott
Technician: Bob Peladeau
Recorded at Snocan Studios, Ottawa
Photography by Don Wiggans
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