September 2023 “Northwest Passage”

Our Shanty of the Month for August is Stan Roger’s, “Northwest Passage”! This is an example of a modern sea song, since it was written by the Nova Scotian in 1982, although it would have fit right in with the other evening songs of sailors back in the day! The “Northwest Passage” refers to a route across Canada to the Pacific Ocean, with the central theme comparing the various treks that were made to try and find it. The song features references to different parts of Canada, including the Beaufort Sea to the north, Davis Strait to the east, and the Fraser River.

It should be noted that the Northwest Passage was actually discovered as a combination of attempts to find the missing explorer John Franklin, who went missing in 1845.

Come out to our next event to learn more about the Northwest Passage with the rest of the crew!