Cree elder Winston Wuttunee took out his drum and invited more than 50 new friends, nearly all of whom were sitting cross-legged on the gymnasium floor of their Winnipeg elementary school on Monday afternoon, to sing the alphabet in his mother tongue.

"Now I know my ABCs. Next time won’t you sing in Cree!" he exclaimed, surrounded by a crowd of schoolchildren who burst into cheers after the musical wordplay.

It was a fitting way to finish another rehearsal for A.E. Wright Community School’s upcoming musical, Peynikamun Nici — a Cree phrase that translates to "Sing With Me, My Friend" in English.

To read more of this story first reported by the Winnipeg Free Press, click here.

This content is made available to Canada's National Observer readers as part of an agreement with the Winnipeg Free Press that sees our two trusted news brands collaborate to better cover Canada. Questions about Winnipeg Free Press content can be directed to [email protected].

Keep reading