On this album, the singer/songwriter
Periwinkle performs 14 powerful songs that communicate the often ignored plight of Native Americans in North America. These songs of sorrow and dissent highlight key historical events that have had led to the decimation of Native peoples. Columbus' journey, a string of nearly 400 broken treaties, and the continued oppression of Native Americans by the U.S. Government are among some of the issues
Periwinkle sings about. In addition,
Periwinkle's songs speak of Indian pride and underscore such key Native American values as respect for Elders and reverence for the Spirit World. Though a couple of traditional drum and chant oriented songs of the Wampanoog (aka Pokonoket) people open and close album,
Periwinkle's repertoire is grounded in the solo singing and guitar strumming tradition of American folk music. The comprehensive liner notes that accompany the album contain the lyrics to the songs as well as a documented preface that sets the tone for
Periwinkle's much deserved rage, anguish, and -- despite it all -- sense of dignity. ~ John Vallier