Joseph Naytowhow

I am a member of Pakitahaw Sahgaehican (Net Casting Lake) known today as Sturgeon Lake First Nation. Ka Nehiyowechick (those who speak the exact language-almost). My Spirit name is Kamiyo-kesikan-kesikaw-pimohtew (Day Spirit drives my Life). Relatives are important so I would like to indicate that I am the eldest of twelve brothers and sisters. My mother, Irene Ratt (Naytowhow) originates from Sucker Lake, SK. She is my inspiration to dance the jig and try out new things. My father Andrew Naytowhow still with us in spirit came from Sturgeon Lake. and his return to the Cree way of worship strengthened the music and ritual based life I now lead. As a child, I heard drumming sounds at sunrise when my grandfather (Big) John Naytowhow would greet the sun with prayer and song. He helped form my senesitivity towards ritual music giving me an excellent foundation for recalling the 'kayas nikamowin' (long ago songs) providing the inspiration I now work with to create the hybrid (Cree and English) music I sing and compose today. My grandmother Annie Rabbitskin was a master herbalist and healer. Her calm and rootedness to the land explains my tendency to forage and sometimes get lost for hours in the boreal forests of Alberta, Saskatchewan.In the year 2000 I co-created a CD (Circle Dish) with Cheryl L'Hirondelle, self titled Nikamok. The album infuses rhythms, beat patterns and sounds normally heard within the social and ceremonial circles in Cree territory. I continue to collaborate with various musicians including Donna Kay (folk/jazz/R&B), Erika Faith (Cree Song/World), Kimble Worme (Cree Song), Leanne Hynd (, Virginia Barter, Violet Naytowhow (Cree/Mohawk Song) and Karen Barrs (Celtic).I like to tell a stories; a talent I picked up from listening to Elders. As a contemporary storyteller I incorporate song, story and dance as part of my presentation to schools, healthorganizations libraries, literacy progams, physically and mentally challenged organizations and cultural gatherings.Legends and stories I tell are have in them teachings. I also enjoy sharing tales with humor. Life is mysterious and my life has been directed towards many amazing adventures meeting amazing people; these I love to introduce to anyone with an open mind. I am willing to travel just about anywhere on this planet to tell to those who live to enjoy the wonderful world of story.The dances I most enjoy these days is the Metis jig, Cree round dance and pow wow dancing. I teach more through improv and allow students to find themselves in the drum beats and fiddle rhythms.Some places I have travelled include the Orkney Islands, Vancouver, Toronto, Greenland, Yukon Territories, India, Sante Fe,New Mexico, many First Nation/Metis/Indigenous communities and most of Saskatchewan.Recently (6yrs) I began teaching myself to play a Cherokee woodsong flute gifte from Hawk Littlejohn and his wife.Being of First Nation/Cree descent I sometimes lose myself and come to believe that I am an expert at 'Native' stuff, which is not totally true; at best I try with all my might to put on a good impression. Wachay! What Cheers! Miywasin pimatisiwin! Life is beautiful!