150+ Canadians Day 136: Faith Nolan

150+ Canadians Who Contributed to Peace..., Education, News 0 Comments

Faith Nolan contributes to peace by singing and empowering others to sing. #Canada150

Faith Nolan is a self-taught musician with over a dozen CDs to her credit.  Her music is a blend of blues, folk, and jazz. She is also an activist against racism and for women’s rights.

Born in Nova Scotia, she moved to Toronto where she founded and directed several choirs: Singing Elementary Teachers of Toronto, CUPE Freedom Singers, the Women of Central East Correctional Centre, and Sistering Singers. Nolan produced a film, Within These Cages, about women in prison, shining light on how poverty has created a disproportionate representation of poor women, especially black and First Nations women, in Canadian prisons.

“Music is a place of healing through the music. When women sing and write they express truth and raw emotions. This sharing helps them be present and take a break from their troubles. These songs will help heal in times of trouble.”

So if you’d like to see this magic in action, or if you’re now just feeling inspired to have a sing along, here is a video of Faith leading a few Songs of Solidarity at a demonstration against homelessness in Toronto in 2009.

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