There are these controversies of which we understand neither the logic nor even the merits. So it goes of the highly publicized dispute between rapper Samian and the Festival international de la chanson de Granby (FICG).
The cause being the request of the organizers of the FICG made to Samian to present his show entirely or very mainly in French. His outraged reaction is completely understandable.
It is true that the vocation of the FICG is to promote French-language song. The fact remains that Samian’s latest CD – Nowhere – is sung 100% in the Anishinabe language. Nothing hidden there.
Renowned artist, his last work testifies in fact to his very long work of rediscovering the Algonquin side of his family heritage. The Anishinaabe language, which he must master since his first language is French, is obviously an integral part of it.
Faced with the FICG’s refusal to let him perform entirely in Anishinabe, Samian pointed out what he sees as the manifestation of a colonial mentality. On this major issue, however, it is difficult to know the true motivation of the FICG.
Is it really a colonialist reflex? Or is it simply a lack of judgment? Or an inability to think outside the box of one’s own calling? A question of adapting to the legitimate need of Aboriginal nations, marginalized for centuries, to know that they are more visible and more audible.
Only certainty
I do not have the answer. The only certainty is that this controversy is infinitely sad. If only it might at least serve to open new channels of communication between the FICG and local artists whose choice is to sing or perform in an Aboriginal language.
Because on the bottom of things, Samian puts his finger on an undeniable reality. Indigenous languages, he asserts, are neither foreign to Quebec nor threatening to French. On the contrary, one would even be tempted to add.
The very preamble to the Charter of the French language (Bill 101) unequivocally states: “The National Assembly recognizes the Amerindians and Inuit of Quebec, descendants of the first inhabitants of the country, the right they have to maintain and develop their native language and culture. »
As it should be, Bill 101 does not go into troubled waters as to whether or not this fundamental principle depends on the origins or the mother tongue of the people who claim it. Of course, this principle does not have to depend on it.
Whether or not Samian’s first language is Anishinabe, his existential quest to find his Algonquin roots is his. Point.
And that pride…
In this vast world, all origins combined, lots of people go in search of a forgotten or erased language, by all sorts of political and historical circumstances, of part of their ancestry.
This work – because it is – requires tons of love, patience, effort and pride. Yes, pride. This famous word which, these days, is served to us in Quebec at the slightest opportunity.
If there is a people who have long been able to take on the full measure of the Herculean task of defending a threatened language and culture, it is the people of Quebec. Here too, all origins combined.
Samian often says that he mainly seeks to build bridges between French-speaking culture and Aboriginal cultures. The lens is magnificent.
However, each bridge requires that there are two banks to unite one to the other without distorting each one. A bridge is a way of passage, a way of meeting, and not a steamroller.
Still, the FICG would have to open up to it. Its organizers are surely capable of it. Reconciliation is within reach. It’s just regarding wanting it.
