Spirit Calling Song
Tunkashila wamayank uye,
Ikce wicasa ta Canupa wan yuha hoye wayelo,
Mitakuye ob wani ktelo heyaya hoye wayelo.

Translation
Grandfather come see me, (three times)
I send a voice with the people’s pipe, so I may live with my relatives.

traditional Indian chant

This arrangement of “Tunkashila” is an example of “acculturated music” in that it uses a traditional Lakota Sioux chant but in a western choral setting. It was my intent to create a respectful arrangement of this beautiful text and chant that, although lacking the visceral traditional vocals that wouldn’t work well in a choir, may still touch people’s emotions. The Lakota Sioux have a tremendous wealth of wonderful music. There are many versions of “Tunkashila” and this one is from www.thesingingstone.com which has compiled many songs to share free.