Akina Shirt, a 13 year old soloist who made history on February 3rd, 2007, when she performed O Canada in Cree to nearly 20,000 people at a Calgary Flames NHL hockey game.
Akina Shirt is a thirteen-year-old Grade 8 honors student, attending the Victoria School of Performing and Visual Arts. Currently she sings in four choirs: Victoria’s Junior High Choir, the All-City Treble Choir, the Shumayela Choir (Kokopelli Junior Choir) and the Sacred Heart Church of First People’s Choir. She has been a chorister for the past four years. The experiences she has gained in choir have given her the voice skills and the confidence to perform in front of large gatherings. Akina has also received voice training at the Alberta College Conservatory of Music.
Recently Akina recorded a CD for Alberta Education as part of their new Social Studies Curriculum; she recorded 4 songs in Cree with an additional track of everyone's favorite, the Frozen Bannock Song. Akina has performed at the Winspear, Jubilee Auditorium in Edmonton, the Jack Singer Concert Hall in Calgary and numerous other venues and has gained so much from these experiences in many immeasurable ways. Her powerful rendition of O Canada sung in Cree is a tribute to the founding role of the First Peoples in the formation of Canada.
Akina was an elite competitive swimmer with the Edmonton Keyano Swim Club where she trained for 3 full Winter Club seasons. She'll remain active in the sport opting instead to train only for Summer Club. Presently she is a member of the Edmonton Thunder Track and Field Club where she trains 2 hours a day 3 times a week. Akina aspires to compete at the 2008 North American Indigenous Games in either track and field or swimming events.
Akina is proud of her heritage and dances fancy shawl when given the opportunity. Both her parents are members of Saddle Lake First Nation. In fact, Akina attended Onchaminahos Primary for Grades 1 and 2.
Hello Akina, We briefly met at NAA in Edmonton this past March. I took a pic of you and your mom. Check it out under my pic on myspace. Have a great day and keep up the great work. You are truly an inspiration for all youth.
I caught that National Anthem you dropped at that Calgary Flames game!!!! That was mad tight, Much props and respect!!!! Ya Brought a tear to my eye and pride to my heart!!(I'm half Cree)!! I would like to thank you for your singing talents and wish you the very best with your sining career!!!!
I wanted to touch base with you...I've been swamped but I wanted come by and say HELLO!! How is life treating ya?
I'll be leaving for my second trip to Nashville on Tuesday the 29th of May! Headin' there for my first CMA Fan Fair! I'll be doing a live radio show on June 5th at 2:20pm.
It's very hot hear in Niagra region....melting HOT! I better get used to it, I hear Nashville is sweltering this time of year!
Hey Akina!
I love your new picture.
I hope that all is well with you.
Looks like you have a very busy summer ahead.
Remember to make time to play.
Much love!
Kym
I'm very excited that you contacted me!! I'm learning your language from Doreen Oakes and working hard,not to teach but out of respect for those who were here before. All the best to you from me!
Cheers for seeking me out. I hope you enjoyed my songs. It is a pleasure to be cyber-linked as your friend... excuse the shameless plug... but I have a new EP coming out soon so keep checking back on my page for more info...stay lovely, Matt Rivers
Looks like you are busy little camper. Glad to hear that you are doing so well. Just as soon as your CD is out, let us know and we'll put you on Aboriginal CKCU. Check out our website - www.aboriginalckcu.com
Akina,
What an inspiration you are!
And WOW! look at you go... your schedule is packed.
You make me so proud.
I would love to hear you sing live someday.
Keep on singing little sister.
Keep the language strong through song.
Much love and respect to you.
Kym
Hi Akina
You inspire the best in me every time you laugh, smile or sing. I love you little sister. Keep your spirit strong and follow your heart at all times.
jared.xo
