Songs in Anishinaabemowin
Attend:
| Free with general admission |
*General museum admission is FREE for residents of Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties.
Location:
Rivera Court
5200 Woodward Ave
Detroit, MI 48202
United States
Get ready for an afternoon of music, culture, and laughter with Helen Peltier Fuhst! Helen reimagines classic hits by artists like Elvis, Johnny Cash, Patsy Cline, and Tom Petty by interpreting the intentions of their lyrics into Anishinaabemowin, the Indigenous language of the Great Lakes. With over 20 years of teaching experience, she brings these songs to life in a way that’s both fun and educational for all ages.
The performance includes on-screen lyrics in English and Anishinaabemowin, cultural insights, and discussions about the meaning and structure of the language. Accompanied by David Fuhst on guitar—who also produces the recordings—this event offers a unique way to experience iconic songs while celebrating Anishinaabe culture.
Held in the DIA’s Rivera Court. Seating begins 30 minutes before the show.
While at the museum, don’t miss your chance to see Helen’s translation work throughout the DIA’s special exhibition Contemporary Anishinaabe Art: A Continuation, on view September 28, 2025 – April 5, 2026.
About the Artist
Helen Peltier Fuhst is Canadian-born and originally from Manitoulin Island, Ontario.
She began teaching Anishinaabemowin in 1983 at a local Indian center in Lansing, Michigan. When the Native community heard her speaking her first language, they asked her to teach them. By then, Anishinaabemowin was no longer widely spoken by many Native American Michiganders—they wanted their language back.
Helen is well known throughout Michigan and Ontario, Canada, for her work as a language instructor. She has been invited to speak at conferences, deliver keynote addresses at various gatherings, emcee powwows, and teach at three major universities and colleges in Michigan. She currently teaches online classes, focusing on the ancient roots that still echo in the words spoken today.
More information is available at helenroy.net.
Get ready for an afternoon of music, culture, and laughter with Helen Peltier Fuhst! Helen reimagines classic hits by artists like Elvis, Johnny Cash, Patsy Cline, and Tom Petty by interpreting the intentions of their lyrics into Anishinaabemowin, the Indigenous language of the Great Lakes. With over 20 years of teaching experience, she brings these songs to life in a way that’s both fun and educational for all ages.
The performance includes on-screen lyrics in English and Anishinaabemowin, cultural insights, and discussions about the meaning and structure of the language. Accompanied by David Fuhst on guitar—who also produces the recordings—this event offers a unique way to experience iconic songs while celebrating Anishinaabe culture.
Held in the DIA’s Rivera Court. Seating begins 30 minutes before the show.
While at the museum, don’t miss your chance to see Helen’s translation work throughout the DIA’s special exhibition Contemporary Anishinaabe Art: A Continuation, on view September 28, 2025 – April 5, 2026.
About the Artist
Helen Peltier Fuhst is Canadian-born and originally from Manitoulin Island, Ontario.
She began teaching Anishinaabemowin in 1983 at a local Indian center in Lansing, Michigan. When the Native community heard her speaking her first language, they asked her to teach them. By then, Anishinaabemowin was no longer widely spoken by many Native American Michiganders—they wanted their language back.
Helen is well known throughout Michigan and Ontario, Canada, for her work as a language instructor. She has been invited to speak at conferences, deliver keynote addresses at various gatherings, emcee powwows, and teach at three major universities and colleges in Michigan. She currently teaches online classes, focusing on the ancient roots that still echo in the words spoken today.
More information is available at helenroy.net.