Jonathan Maracle

St. Andrew’s was honoured to host a special evening of music, storytelling, and reflection brought to us through the voice, heart, and soul of Mohawk singer and songwriter, Jonathan Maracle. The evening began with a beautiful and moving introduction by Kaleena Hanoksi who welcomed Jonathan to St. Andrew’s. She rightfully called him a widely respected voice in the community and a bright and shining star of Kenhetè:ke in her heartfelt introduction. Jonathan has had a long career in the music industry, playing with Peter Frampton, Blue Oyster Cult, and Rick Derringer. He has written hundreds of songs and produced fourteen albums with his band, Broken Walls.

Jonathan began the event by giving thanks for our welcome and bestowing upon our Rector, Nancy Northgrave, a gift of local maple syrup. He expressed his joy at being with us and his fervent desire to honour the gifts we all have thanks to our Creator. Jonathan shared his gratitude for being able to share his faith through his authentic cultural expressions of song and drum playing, rather than having to eschew his culture in order to live in his faith. He then led us in the Lord’s prayer, in Mohawk.

 Jonathan played the water drum for the audience and shared its history as a culturally significant instrument that was, historically, used to communicate the danger of invading colonial armies to surrounding villages. Jonathan shared many stories interspersed with original music glorifying the love of Jesus. He played drums and guitar and invited the audience to respond to the music with authentic Mohawk responses. He shared stories of his connection with Christ, including one where his father called him at a pivotal moment in Jonathan’s life, immediately after Jonathan had asked Jesus for help. The call turned despair into hope and began the path Jonathan now follows.

Jonathan shared his sense of hope for Indigenous Canadians and his gratitude for the changes that are occurring in the relationship between the indigenous and non-Indigenous communities in Canada. He sees himself in ministry to encourage this growing positive relationship. As such, he will be the master of ceremonies for the opening of the Truth and Reconciliation event happening at Zwick’s Park in Belleville on September 30^th, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The event begins at 11 a.m. Jonathan will speak and perform at the event.

Jonathan’s blend of original Indigenous music and Western music, flavoured heavily with R&B, rock, and country flavours, and his storytelling made the evening entertaining and moving. The audience came away with a new understanding and a new favourite musician! Jonathan finished the evening with a song called “Heart of Rescue”; it shared a message that we can change the world by opening our hearts.

Archdeacon Nancy thanked Jonathan for his ministry: for sharing his faith, his music, his heart, and his truth with us and invited everyone to a time of fellowship and refreshments.

If you would like to support Jonathan’s ministry, you can do so by visiting his website: brokenwalls.com, where you can make a donation and purchase his CDs along with other merchandise.

St. Andrew’s looks forward to Jonathan’s next visit in 2027, as a part of 175^th anniversary celebrations. We send a very big Miigwech to Jonathan and his crew for an evening of music and reflection that will stay in our hearts forever.