Our Story
Ishkodé Records celebrates Indigenous narrative storytelling through music as a means of self-determination.
About
Ishkōdé Records
Custodians of song and story, Ishkōdé Records was launched on June 24, 2021. The Indigenous women-owned label is helmed by ShoShona Kish (Ojibwe, Anishinaabe) and Amanda Rheaume (Citizen of Métis Nation of Ontario), founders of the International Indigenous Music Summit. Ishkode Records distribution partner is Universal Music Canada.
“Songs for the Eighth Fire,” Ishkōdé Records’ guiding principle, refers to the Anishinaabe’s Seven Fires prophecy. The prophecy heralds an epoch of eternal peace when Indigenous peoples and settler communities together build the eighth and final fire of justice and harmony. Ishkōdé means fire in Anishinaabemowin.
“For me, Ishkōdé Records celebrates our narrative sovereignty: storytelling is an expression of self-determination,” says Kish. “Our voices are powerful, they are grounded in our bloodlines and culture. We are in a time where our songs are needed. We all have a role to play in amplifying and creating space in the hope that someday we will light that Eighth Fire.”
The Seven Fires Prophecy as told by ShoShona Kish
The Anishinaabe peoples carry stories about the Seven Fires Prophecy that have been passed on from generation to generation for more than 1000 years. These stories tell us about eight prophets that came to the people to share their vision of the world to come. Each fire of the prophecies refers to a different epoch for the Anishinaabe people.
The Elders have told us that we are now in the Seventh Fire, a time when people will need to make a choice between two roads. It is said that one road will lead to destruction and suffering. The other road leads us back to our teachings. If we choose this road we will have the opportunity to light the eighth and final fire, an eternal fire, which will bring a time of forever peace, harmony, balance and unity.
We all have a role to play in amplifying and creating space in the hope that someday we will light that Eighth Fire.
The Seven Fires Prophecy as told by ShoShona Kish
Amanda Rheaume
Aysanabee
Digging Roots
Morgan Toney
Sebastian Gaskin
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