First Nations singer Donita Large releases her first original full-length album

Donita Large, a member of Saddle Lake First Nation and an Indigenous educator in Alberta, has released The Ancestors, her first original full-length album. The record includes two versions of the song "Sweetgrass" and tracks such as "Kokom," dedicated to her late grandmother.

Donita Large, a member of Saddle Lake First Nation in Alberta, has released The Ancestors, her first original full-length album. She has worked as an Indigenous educator with the Edmonton Catholic School Division for about 12 years. Large began writing original material during the pandemic after previously releasing singles and a gospel album. Her music blends folk influences with Indigenous elements and sometimes includes Cree language and cultural themes. Key details: - The Ancestors includes two versions of the song "Sweetgrass": an acoustic arrangement and an orchestral version with strings. - The album features a track called "Kokom," dedicated to Large's late grandmother, and a song titled "Treat Me So Bad," which reflects personal experiences and her past work leading circles for women affected by family violence. - Large said she did not initially see herself as a songwriter but began writing after performing again with a band and finding a story she wanted to tell about ancestors and culture. - The article references the artist's website (donitalargemusic.com) as a source for album information. Summary: The Ancestors represents a move for Large into original songwriting and focuses on family, grief, cultural stories and healing. Undetermined at this time.