Flames invite teen to sing national anthem in Cree

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Saddle Lake's Akina Shirt has a big gig coming up-she's singing O Canada in Cree in front of the entire country.

The 13-year-old honours student says she's excited "but a little nervous" to deliver her powerful rendition of the anthem on Hockey Night in Canada on Feb. 3. Her song will kick off the game between the Calgary Flames and the Vancouver Canucks.

"I've sung this song lots of times," Shirt said. "I've sung it at some other shows, and I practice singing it on my own, in my room, quite a bit."

Last summer, the Calgary Flames owner caught wind of the young performer's talent and Shirt was asked if she would sing the anthem at a Flames hockey game. She jumped at the chance and a date was set.

Shirt will also sing the song at the National Aboriginal Achievement Awards set for Edmonton in March and has also been approached by the Speaker of the House for the Alberta Legislature to open one of its sittings.

This kind of early exposure will help to prepare Shirt for attaining her goal of studying music at New York's famed Juilliard school.

Presently, Shirt attends Edmonton's Victoria School for the Performing Arts where she sings in the choir. She also sings in the Sacred Heart Church choir and two other city choirs.

"What I really want to do, eventually, is sing country. That's why I'm learning to play the guitar," Shirt said.

Shirt acknowledges the role her parents have played in helping her get where she is today and for "pushing me and encouraging me to be the best I can be."