Introduction:
J. Hubert Francis was born on the Elsipogtog First Nation of New Brunswick. He started his Mig'mag rock group, "J. Hubert Francis & Eagle Feather", in 1990. He became known as the only touring Aboriginal Rock Bands in Canada.
They have recorded three albums, the latest , "Message From a Drum", received two Juno Awards Nominations, three East Coast Music Award Nominations and a Native American Music Award Nomination.
They have performed at Lincoln Center in New York City, European Tours and several predominant community and Canadian events. Hubert has assisted in the filming of fifty-two documentary episodes in the Aboriginal People’s Television Network (APTN) series, "Eastern Tide", by co-directing, music and Narrating in the Mig'mag language.
The song, Booglatamootj, the "Dance of The Little People" was one of the first songs nominated for a Juno award in 1994, the first time the awards included an Aboriginal category.
Experience:
Hubert Francis is known worldwide for his ability to articulate the spirit of song; while fusing contemporary rock with Traditional Chant. As a Mig'mag musician and song writer, Hubert has released music both in his Mig'mag and the English language. His cultural respect is evident in his songwriting;
Currently, Hubert is known for his traditional influence on the Brookes Diamond Production, DRUM. Touring with DRUM has provided Hubert with the opportunity to educate audiences from around the world about the Mig'mag culture.
He, accompanied by his band Eagle Feather, has opened for many influential acts; including, but not limited to: Big Al Downy, Mickey Gilly, Joel Sonnier, Good Brothers, Buffy St. Marie, Errol Ranville and C-Weed, Tiny Tim, Robyn Lyn and Glen “Whitecloud”
Responsibility to the Community:
Hubert says, “With such recognition comes responsibility.”
He is careful to produce music that represents the essence of who he is, and responsibly manages his career. He did not expect immediate success and worked hard to achieve it.
A Humble Mentor:
Known as an "Ambassador of Good Will" for his community efforts to bridge cultural relationships, Hubert has been one of the major Aboriginal Artists to break barriers within the music, arts and cultural industry. He has been instrumental in the success of other Aboriginal Artisans and Musicians. He has indeed, through his music and professional presentation, been a role model to other Aboriginal People, and anyone who wants to aspire to their dreams.
Humbled, he is cautious to accept his achievements as a personal triumph; instead, he quickly reminds anyone that it took many people to help him achieve this level of success.
Website and CD Sales
You can listen to Hubert's music by going to his website at www.hubertfrancis.artforlifestudio.ca.
-by Lise Durling, written with the permission of J. Hubert Francis.
