The Huron Carol, set for voice and harp, is also suitable for melody instrument, such as flute or recorder, with harp or piano accompaniment. This arrangement works also for two harps, with the easier Harp 1 part on the melody and Harp 2 on the more complex accompaniment. I have set the accompaniment for one verse in the original Huron language, two verses in French and three verses in English. The Huron Carol, Jesous Ahatonhia, is the first Canadian Christmas carol and possibly the first of the New World. The words in the Huron language are believed to have been written by Father Jean de Brebeuf, a Jesuit missionary who lived among the Hurons from 1626 to 1649. The cover drawing was done by Joanna Rice ( Muckle’s daughter). The picture incorporates many designs from native American art and design. The three chiefs on the left of the cover picture are portraits of actual renowned first nations leaders.
