Strong Women’s Song

Strong Women's Song is an Anishinaabe song. According to oral history, this song originated with First Nations women who were held in solitary isolation in Kingston Penitentiary, Ontario. They would sing as a way to ask (the Creator) for the ability to continue on their journey, no matter what challenges they might encounter. Now this song is used as empowerment song for Anishinaabe women from all walks of life.

It is customary to follow this song with the Men's Honour Song.

Double drum beats

(Lead) Way-hey-ya way-hey-ya hey-yo (Vocables)

 (All)    Way-hey-ya way-hey-ya hey-yo

Way-hey-ya way-hi-yo

Way-hey-ya oh way-hey-ya way-hey-ya way-hi-yo

Way-hey-ya way-hey-ya way-hi-yo

Way-hey-ya oh way-hey-ya way-hey-ya way-hi-yo