Includes an extra large poster of the cover art, a poster designed by DTES artist TJ Felix, the album lyrics, artist bios, a patch, and a sticker.
Includes unlimited streaming of 100 Block Rock 2
via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
ships out within 5 days
edition of 100
Purchasable with gift card
$25USDor more
Record/Vinyl + Digital Album
Numbered copies - run of 200.
Includes a poster designed by DTES artist TJ Felix, the album lyrics, and artist bios.
Includes unlimited streaming of 100 Block Rock 2
via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
ships out within 5 days
edition of 200
Purchasable with gift card
$20USDor more
about
Robert Williams, Tłakwagilagame, comes from the Kwakwaka’wakw Nation in British Columbia, Canada, particularly the Ławitsis, Ma'amtagila, and Da'naxda'xw from his grandfather Chief Charlie Williams, and the Musgamawgw, Dzawada'enuxw, and Mamalilikulla from his grandmother Uma Mary Williams.
Robert began singing and drumming at the age of 11 under the guidance of his Nula (oldestbrother), Rory Dawson, who is an artist, composer and song keeper. Since then, he has been singing and speaking for dance groups, Hereditary Chiefs, and artists, as well as canoe journeys, weddings, and funerals.
From Juneau and Ketchikan, Alaska in the North to New York City to the East, and the Pacific Northwest, Robert has been sharing his message and passion of cultural identity, language revitalization, decolonization, and being an ambassador of peace, sustainability, ecological safety, and protection.
Robert was inspired to speak his language, Kwak’wala, through his late grandfather and mentor, Chief Charlie Williams of the Ławitsis. In 2010, Robert got his first opportunity to speak when his late Uncle Chief Frank Nelson, renowned Hereditary Chief, asked him to speak for him during the Paddle to Makah in the United States — a great honour.
Since then, Robert has had the privilege and honour to learn from his grandfather, Chief Billy Peters, allowing him to apply his teachings and direction in the Gukwdzi (Bighouse) where Kwakwaka’wakw laws, protocols, and ceremonies continue to be practiced. Spending time with the old people and learning the language of his ancestors, Robert continues to carry on the teachings of respect embedded within Kwakwaka’wakw songs, dances, speaking, and ceremony.
In 2008, Robert went to Ottawa for YOUCAN’s Cross Cultural Resolution Training for Peaceful Solutions to participate and speak, and in 2009, Robert traveled with his sister Felicia Greekas (Gwixsisa’las) to New York City for the 9th Annual Youth Assembly that brought together youth to address the Millennium Development Goals.
Robert is passionate and dedicated to community development, particularly teaching singing and language to youth and being a strong advocate for trauma informed and culturally appropriate access to harm reduction. He is a survivor of the 60s’ Scoop and opioid crisis, and a second generation survivor of residential schools.
Robert lives and breathes the teachings of his ancestors, and he has humbly and respectfully accepted the request of his Hereditary Chiefs and Matriarchs to represent and deliver messages as an ambassador of his culture and people.
lyrics
1st
Haways długwala hay la
Ha̱ylikaya Kasow
X̱is Długwala hay g̱i
Tłlus długwala Hamay
Hamay Hamay Hamay
Hama May Yi Ha May Ha Ma
Ha May
Ha Ha May Ha May
//
Having obtained a supernatural gift
To truly heal and purify and do right
This is a supernatural treasure
Your supernatural gift
2nd
Xiyakaya
//
To heal by spraying water through your teeth
3rd
G̱wikwa̱lagila
//
Life making power
4th
Mudzika̱ya
//
You’re riddled and loaded with powers and gifts and rites
credits
from 100 Block Rock 2,
released January 1, 2022
Vocals - Robert Williams
Hand Drum - Robert Williams
The record so nice, I bought it twice. Just sent one as a gift to a friend.
This record is stunning. Poignant and powerful, sometimes heartbreaking. The artwork is gorgeous too. firecat666
