Centre for Sound Communities

09/23/2026

Cape Breton University Students, you’re invited to join us for AfriBeatsClass: Learning Africa Through Beats and Dance!

Come explore African culture through rhythm, music, and movement in a welcoming and engaging space. Led by facilitators Selina Kibanda and Botchway George K.T., each session is an opportunity to learn, connect, and experience the richness of African beats and dance.

AfriBeatsClass takes place every Thursday from 11:45 AM to 12:45 PM and runs until December 3rd.

No previous dance experience is needed. Whether you’re curious to learn something new or simply looking for a fun way to spend your Thursday, we’d love to have you join us.

Come learn, move, and connect through the power of African beats and dance!

09/22/2026

Call for papers: International Council for Traditions of Music and Dance - ICTMD Dialogues 2026
This year's topic is the ethics of care for researchers and communities in times of conflict, war, and violence.

See the CFP below for details:

Call for papers: ICTMD Dialogues 2026

This year's topic is the ethics of care for researchers and communities in times of conflict, war, and violence.

The tentative date of the session would be at the end of November 2026.

Please send your title and abstract (300 words max) to [email protected] by September 30, 2026.

See the CFP below for details:

09/02/2026

As we continue celebrating 10 years of the Centre for Sound Communities, we’re sharing the stories of the people and communities who have helped shape the Centre’s journey over the past decade.

In this video, Starr Paul, Mi’kmaw Language Instructor at Cape Breton University and an ongoing research partner with the Centre, reflects on what community means to her and shares the story of her first encounter with the CSC.

Starr’s ongoing collaboration with the Centre reflects the importance of building relationships that bring together language, culture, knowledge, and community. Her story is part of the larger journey of working alongside Mi’kmaw community members and partners to support Indigenous knowledge, reconciliation, and meaningful research.

Watch the video and join us in celebrating 10 years of community, collaboration, and shared learning!

As we continue celebrating 10 years of the Centre for Sound Communi...

08/17/2026

We’re delighted to share news of a major new research initiative at Cape Breton University!

Our Research Futures: Indigenous Pathways for Research in Higher Education has received a $499,993 Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) Insight Grant to support a five-year international collaboration spearheaded by Dr. Marcia Ostashewski, alongside Dean of Unama'ki College, Laurianne Sylvester and Assistant Professor of Mi’kmaq Studies, Starr Paul.

The project brings together researchers and community partners from Cape Breton University, the University of Victoria, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, and the UNAM Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, alongside Indigenous communities and research partners across these regions.

The project will examine barriers and opportunities for Indigenous researchers in higher education while supporting Indigenous knowledge, leadership, and emerging scholars.

Read the full announcement from CBU Newsroom:
https://www.cbu.ca/newsroom/releases/cbu-awarded-499993-sshrc-insight-grant-to-spearhead-international-indigenous-research/

Home ICTMD 2026 Pre-Conference Symposium: “Indigenous Perspectives and Crossing Disciplinary Boundaries: Music, Education and Cultural Astronomy”. Join us for the International Council for Traditions of Music and Dance – ICTMD 2026 Pre-Conference Symposium: “Indigenous Perspectives and Cross...

08/13/2026

As we continue celebrating 10 years of the Centre for Sound Communities, we’re sharing the stories of the people and communities who have helped shape the Centre’s journey over the past decade.

In this video, Leim Joe, a Research Assistant with the Centre, reflects on his first encounter with the CSC and what the idea of community means to him. He also shares memories of his work with the Centre on Indigenous Mi’kmaw events, research and heritage, and projects exploring Mi’kmaw song and community making.

Leim’s story highlights the importance of creating spaces where Indigenous knowledge, music, heritage, and community come together, and reflects the Centre’s commitment to building relationships through collaborative research and creative practice.

Watch the video and join us in celebrating 10 years of community, collaboration, and shared learning!

As we continue celebrating 10 years of the Centre for Sound Communi...

08/12/2026

We’re delighted to share this special video message from International Council for Traditions of Music and Dance - ICTMD President Tan Sooi Beng, congratulating the Secretariat on its first year anniversary.

As the CSC celebrates its 10th year of operations, we’re proud to host the Secretariat of this UNESCO-affiliated organization, connecting members in well over 130 nations around the world.

This builds on a long history of collaboration. In 2017, Marcia Ostashewski hosted an ICTMD Study Group Symposium on Applied Ethnomusicology, and in 2019, she co-organized the ICTMD Colloquium “Songs and Stories of Migration and Encounter,” which took place at Cape Breton University, with Svanibor Pettan and Kaley Mason.

Today, this work continues to connect local communities, scholars, and students with universities, researchers, and communities around the world.

Congratulations to Marcia on one year as ICTMD Secretary General! And special thanks to the ICTMD Executive Board, President Tan Sooi Beng, Executive Secretary Meg Kwasnicki, and ICTMD members worldwide for their collaboration and support.

Here’s to many more years of connection and collaboration!

07/30/2026

As we continue celebrating 10 years of the Centre for Sound Communities, we're sharing the stories of the people and communities who have helped shape our journey over the past decade.

In this video, we celebrate the Centre's long-standing partnership with the Acadian community in Cape Breton through the story of Betty Ann Cormier of Chéticamp. Recipient of the 2025 Builder Award at the Cape Breton Creative Awards, former research assistant, and current collaborator with the Centre, Betty Ann has also produced numerous events in partnership with the Centre at the Le Conseil des arts de Chéticamp, helping create meaningful opportunities for cultural exchange, learning, and community engagement.

Her creativity, generosity, and commitment to strengthening her community embody the values that have guided the Centre for Sound Communities over the past decade.

Watch the video and join us in celebrating 10 years of partnership, shared learning, and community.

As we continue celebrating 10 years of the Centre for Sound Communi...

07/24/2026

As we continue celebrating 10 years of the Centre for Sound Communities at Cape Breton University, we’re sharing the stories of the people and communities who have helped shape the Centre’s journey over the past decade.

In this video, Michael Morrison, a beloved Cape Breton musician and community organiser who helps manage the historic Menelik Hall, reflects on what the word community means to him, his first encounter with the Centre for Sound Communities, and how that relationship has grown over the years. He also shares the important role that music has played throughout his life, and how his connection with the Centre has reinforced his belief in music as a way to build relationships and strengthen communities.

Watch the video and celebrate 10 years of community, collaboration, and music with I As we continue celebrating 10 years of the Centre for Sound Communities at Cape Breton University, we’re sharing the stories of the people and communities who have helped shape the Centre’s journey over the past decade.

In this video, Michael Morrison, a beloved Cape Breton musician and community organiser who helps manage the historic Menelik Hall, reflects on what the word community means to him, his first encounter with the Centre for Sound Communities, and how that relationship has grown over the years. He also shares the important role that music has played throughout his life, and how his connection with the Centre has reinforced his belief in music as a way to build relationships and strengthen communities.

Watch the video and celebrate 10 years of community, collaboration, and music with us!

07/23/2026

As we continue celebrating 10 years of the Centre for Sound Communities at Cape Breton University, we’re sharing the stories of the people and communities who have helped shape the Centre’s journey over the past decade.

In this video, Michael Morrison, a beloved Cape Breton musician and community organiser who helps manage the historic Menelik Hall, reflects on what the word community means to him, his first encounter with the Centre for Sound Communities, and how that relationship has grown over the years. He also shares the important role that music has played throughout his life, and how his connection with the Centre has reinforced his belief in music as a way to build relationships and strengthen communities.

Watch the video and celebrate 10 years of community, collaboration, and music with us!

https://youtu.be/ZvHBvXiHAi8

Music, Folklore, History, & Culture at CBU
CBU School of Arts and Social Sciences

As we continue celebrating 10 years of the Centre for Sound Communi...

07/22/2026

Two Music Courses Now Open for Registration!

Registration is now open for Music and Culture and Vocal Ensemble at Cape Breton University!

Whether you're interested in exploring the many ways music shapes cultures around the world or joining a fun and welcoming singing community, these courses are a great opportunity to learn, create, and connect.

Not sure if you have the prerequisites? No problem! Contact Dr. Marcia Ostashewski to discuss your background and find out if you're eligible to register.