2RMX Movable Feast Tk'emlups te Secwepemc 

Indigenous Artists for this Event!

• Á’a:líya

  Á’a:líya

  [Stó:lō]

  Á’a:líya is a proud member of the Stó:lō Nation and grew up in her community, the Skowkale First Nation. She has worked in and around Vancouver as an activist and hip-hop artist for 17 years. She is also a filmmaker and recently graduated from UBC’s Master of Film Production Program.

  Á’a:líya is a storyteller addressing both modern and traditional narratives from her unique perspective as an Indigenous woman through music, poetry and now as a filmmaker. She has travelled across Canada and the US doing performances, for community events both big and small. Her writing focuses on her own experiences dealing with her own life struggles, mental health, relationships, and triumphs.

  She’s passionate about art and what it can do to spread messages of empowerment and love to people of all backgrounds and ages.

  [Stó:lō]

• Curtis Clear Sky and the Constellationz

  Curtis Clear Sky and the Constellationz

  [Blackfoot/Anishinabe/ Maori/Guarani]

  Curtis Clear Sky and the Constellationz captivate audiences with their funky rhythms, thundering percussion, blasting horns, soulful harmonies with empowering lyrics that gratify your soul. Their highly-engaging performance will make you “bump with the booming blasting blare”, “you’ll be moving your feet like you don‘t care”. You can find Curtis Clear Sky and the Constellationz latest album Indigifunk that features Juno Award winning Mohawk Bluesman Murray Porter on their single “Turtle Island”. Indigifunk is available on all digital streaming platforms including Spotify and Apple music. In 2020 Curtis Clear Sky and the Constellationz are developing a new album with super talented Indigenous musician Beaver Thomas and they will highlight news songs at the upcoming 2 Rivers Remix Virtual Feast show.

  [Blackfoot/Anishinabe/ Maori/Guarani]

• DJ SHUB

  DJ SHUB

  [Mohawk]

  2022 Contemporary Indigenous Juno-winner, DJ Shub has pioneered a growing genre of electronic music – PowWowStep – since his initial start with internationally-acclaimed group A Tribe Called Red. Born Dan General, he is a Mohawk, turtle clan of the Six Nations of the Grand River located in Ontario, Canada. Since the creation of PowWowStep, he has grown more aware of the Indigenous way of life through his music, merging his heritage with his craft. As a solo artist, DJ Shub released his first EP “PowWowStep” in 2016 and has since played some of the biggest music festivals in North America. He’s also been featured in a number of national media outlets. His song “Indomitable” was notably handpicked by Sacha Baron Cohen as the theme music to his hit Showtime series, “Who Is America?”

  URL https://www.djshub.ca/

  [Mohawk]

• Eekwol and T-Rhyme

  Eekwol and T-Rhyme

  [nehiyaw/Dene]

  Eekwol and T-Rhyme are seasoned rappers from nehiyaw and Dene territories, currently living in Saskatoon. The For Women By Women Project (FWBW) was born out of an awakening and realization that in our music, we need to create the dialogue and steer the narratives to be our own truths. As a nehiyaw iskwewuk (Indigenous women) we are living the results of the damage that colonization placed on our families. Guided by the intentions of creating a good life and a protected path for our daughters, we are changing the story, one rhyme at a time. With beats by Justin Knight, Shane Keepness and Doc Blaze, FWBW is the beginning of a movement. We’re here to lift consciousness, not asses. We’re here to reflect our matriarchal ancestors, not in a bathroom mirror selfie. We are here to recognize our power.

  [nehiyaw/Dene]

• GEORGE LEACH

  GEORGE LEACH

  [Sta’atl’imx]

  A multi-disciplined, award winning artist from the Sta’atl’imx Nation (southern interior of British
  Columbia), George Leach is in relentless pursuit of truth. His passion and dedication to songcraft
  has been evident throughout his entire career, which began with the release of his debut album,
  “Just Where I’m At”, in the year 2000. The self-produced album won several Canadian Aboriginal
  Music Awards and garnered international recognition, establishing him as a respected singer,
  songwriter, guitarist and performer.
  With music spanning several genres stemming from rock and soulful blues roots, slide guitar riffs
  on his double neck Gibson, and sounds that blend traditional rhythms with a modern twist, a live
  George Leach performance soon became something not to miss.

  [Sta’atl’imx]

• Gerald Charlie

  Gerald Charlie

  [Stó:lō]

  Gerald Charlie performs festivals throughout BC and in The USA. His original blues continue to bring happiness to people . Gerald has two award winning CDs to his name and all songs written by himself. He has a style of his own with vocals and guitar. Here are a few words shared by the legend:

  Charlie Musselwhite: My friend Gerald Charlie plays his unique blues straight from the heart and he has a big heart. He puts genuine feeling in his playing and his singing and songwriting. Don’t miss Gerald Charlies BLUES.

  Gerald has shared the stage with many great musicians and has performed with many. His highlights were sharing the stage with Tom Lavin and the Legendary Powder Blues and, especially, opening for the great bluesman Bo Diddley. The blues is in Gerald’s blood and he just loves to play them and sing them. He will guarantee nothing but a good for all to remember.

  [Stó:lō]

• Hasaatuk

  Hasaatuk

  [Nuu-Chah-Nulth]

  Hasaatuk (Kalilah Rampanen) comes from the western coast of British Columbia, Canada. Her heritage stems from the nuu_aan_u_ (Nuu-chah-nulth) territory on western Vancouver Island, Woodland Cree near Fort McMurray and Finnish ancestry. Kalilah’s music explores a diverse range of indigenous, environmental and social horizons that combine a blend of acoustic, blues and alternative styles of expression. Her passion for music took root at an early age that has blossomed into a trifecta of strong, melodious vocals, captivating guitar riffs and, a meaningful message.

  In addition to her musical path, Kailah is actively involved in activism and advocacy for the protection and preservation of Indigenous lands, culture and language. Kalilah has participated in a wide variety of campaigns that raise awareness of environmental devastation caused by mining, oil extraction, deforestation, climate justice and aquaculture. She uses her music to shed light upon the interconnectedness that is maintained through ancestral, indigenous roots to the lands and waters and she maintains a lifestyle that keeps her connected to her traditional territories, culture and family.

  [Nuu-Chah-Nulth]

• Kinnie Starr

  Kinnie Starr

  [Mohawk]

  JUNO-winner Kinnie Starr, a multi-threat songwriter, performer, visual artist, filmmaker and producer. Starr is a trailblazing female Indigenous artist with her unique blend of conscious hiphop and groove driven pop.

  [Mohawk]

• Kym Gouchie

  Kym Gouchie

  [Lheidli T’enneh/ Cree/Secwépemc]

  With ancestral roots in the Lheidli T’enneh, Cree and Secwépemc Nations, KYM GOUCHIE is fostering change through her music and art. Her music brings awareness to First Nations and women’s issues, promoting reconciliation and authentic community engagement. Her stories are a testament to the human spirit, weaving together threads of her own journey from personal tragedy to triumph. Kym’s traditional hand drum, clean, crisp acoustic guitar and full-bodied voice make her a powerful force. Indigenous-folk, and country tones alongside poignant and inspirational lyrics capture the hearts of young and old — her genuine and heartfelt performances have a profound and sometimes emotional impact on their audience. Throughout the pandemic, Kym has found beauty in the ability to connect with people around the world with the click of a button. She sees herself as a bridge, connecting hearts and minds… reminding us that we’re all in this together.

  [Lheidli T’enneh/ Cree/Secwépemc]

• Logan Staats

  Logan Staats

  [Mohawk]

  In 2018, veracious Mohawk singer-songwriter Logan Staats was chosen from 10,000 hopeful contestants vying for a spot on musical competition show The Launch. Before an audience of 1.4 million viewers, Staats won, officiating the breakthrough that would lead him to Nashville and Los Angeles, and to his single “The Lucky Ones” winning the Indigenous Music Award for Best Radio Single. “The Lucky Ones” also occupied #1 in Canada.

  In the years between now and then, Staats has come home, making the intentional decision to re-root at ​​Six Nations of the Grand River. “I wanted to bring my songwriting back to the medicine inside of music, to the medicine inside of reclamation,” he says following a phase of constant travel and intensity.

  To Staats, music is a healing salve, contemplatively composed and offered to listeners in need of comfort. Since returning home, Staats has been able to create music authentically again, reclaiming his sound through honest storytelling and unvarnished, sometimes painful reflection.

  [Mohawk]

• Mana Taketake

  Mana Taketake

  [Maori]

  Mana Taketake is a Maori contemporary showcase of elegance and indigenous strength through traditional dance, music and weaponry.

  [Maori]

• Margit Sky Project

  Margit Sky Project

  [Stó:lō]

  Raised in Toronto and then Vancouver, Margit grew up listening to rock, folk and classical music. Her parents always had the stereo on. After moving to Kamloops in 1992, she built a successful career as a local musician and hasn’t looked back since her first gig at Sun Peaks Resort.
  Rod started playing guitar at age 10 in Vancouver. He was playing in bands at age 16. Rod was a huge part of the Indigenous band “Waskesu” in the mid 1990’s. They had the pleasure of playing for the Prime Minister and playing at the Commonwealth Games in Victoria along with Susan Aglukark and Kashtin. They also had quite a few appearances on Much Music.
  Put these two together and you have the Margit Sky Project. Rods First Nations name is Little Sky. The decision was made to combine names. With Margit’s vocals and rhythm guitar and Rod’s jaw dropping lead guitar they have become a very sought after duo in the B.C. Interior and Alberta. They have been fortunate enough to open for Kevin Costner and Modern West, Burton Cummings, Trooper, Barney Bentall, Elliot Brood and Ridley Bent. Margit and Rod are very passionate about their music and have released three cd’s together.

  [Stó:lō]

• Mattmac

  Mattmac

  [Oji-Cree]

  Hailing from Garden Hill First Nation, Manitoba, Mattmac has been blind from birth.

  Mattmac began to struggle with depression at a young age, and credits music for helping him cope; he grew up surrounded by music both on the radio and singing in his community’s gospel choir.

  A fully self-taught artist, he first began to make beats and write songs when he was 13 years old, and later taught himself how to play piano and guitar. He also has impressive skills with beat production software and equipment, and attributes his creative competencies to the support of the Blind & Famous group — a USA based collective of blind music artists who collaborate and connect with one another through the internet.

  Mattmac was first launched into the music scene in 2016 when N’we Jinan, a travelling music studio program, visited his community and invited him to collaborate on a project. Pulling inspiration from his personal story, they created a song and video titled “Help You See” that has been watched nearly 250,000 times on YouTube and Facebook. Through this experience, he connected with International artist Nelly Furtado, and performed alongside her at Indigenous Day Live and We Day Canada Day in 2017; they continue to work together.

  Mattmac hopes to continue to use his platform to inspire others to know that they can accomplish anything they set their mind to.

  [Oji-Cree]

• Quanah Style

  Quanah Style

  [Cree]

  Quanah Style is Canada’s most infamous 2-spirit trans recording artist and house music diva. From coast to coast, there are few dance floors who haven’t felt her presence. After a brilliant run of singles on the Toronto-based LGBTQ+ record label Wet Trax, Quanah became a Pride festival fixture, performing her anthemic hits with vogue dance crew House of La Douche. Music videos for songs such as her debut “Beat of My Heart” and the Storyhive award-recipient “Give Me Life” showcase Quanah’s undeniable star-quality. Her incredible stage presence, signature vocals, and inspirational story led her to become the subject of several documentaries produced by CBC Arts, World of Wonder, APTN and Vice Magazine. She has also opened for Peaches, Bif Naked, Buffy Sainte-Marie, and more.

  URL http://quanahstyle.com/

  [Cree]

• Snotty Nose Rez Kids

  Snotty Nose Rez Kids

  [Haisla]

  Skyrocketing Hip-hop stars Snotty Nose Rez Kids second and third albums (The Average Savage, 2017 and TRAPLINE, 2019) were shortlisted for the Polaris Prize while TRAPLINE was also named one of the top 10 hip-hop albums of 2019 by exclaim! magazine.

  [Haisla]

• The Melawmen Collective

  The Melawmen Collective

  [Secwepemc/ Nuu-Chah-Nulth/ Nlaka’pamux]

  A contemporary Indigenous alternative fusion woven together with elements of hip/trip-hop, rock/folk, righteous rhymes and rich harmonies, carried through with experience, manifestation, and visions of intergenerational stories of pain and healing. The Melawmen Collective brings a uniqueness to their sound like no other, drawing in a wide variety of listeners through sharing their own journeys of life through their musical evolution together. ‘Melawmen’ means medicine in the Secwepemc language, and the unceded territory of the Secwepemc People in what is now known as BC, is where co-founders Meeka Morgan (vocals, Secwepemc/Nuu-Chah-Nulth), Rob Hall (Vocals, Ghengis Ghandi’s, Ashcroft), Geo Ignace aka Geo The Voice (Vocals, Secwepemc/Cree), and Kiva Morgan-Hall (Vocals, Secwepemc/Nuu-Chah-Nulth), continue to grow. The collective is honoured to be joined by Cass Gregg (Bass, Tŝilhqot’in) and Victor Laso (Drums, Republic of Chile).

  URL https://themelawmencollective.bandcamp.com/

  [Secwepemc/ Nuu-Chah-Nulth/ Nlaka’pamux]

• The Spiritual Warriors

  The Spiritual Warriors

  [Lil’wat]

  The internationally acclaimed music group, The Spiritual Warriors, create music inspired by the land and life in the coastal mountains of the Lil’wat Nation. With their unique blend of indigenous chants and contemporary roots, rock, reggae, the Spiritual Warriors are distinctly west coast. The band perform most of their songs in Ucwalmícwts and are passionate about preserving and promoting their language and culture. The uplifting reggae rhythm only underlines the beautiful harmonizing of the vocals sung bilingually in English and Ucwalmícwts the Lil’wat language. The Spiritual Warriors, formerly known as Kalan Wi, are led by father and daughter, Leroy (vocals, guitar) and Daisy Joe(vocals) and accompanied by founding member Rich Doucet on drums, Mike Rowe on Bass, Cuyler Biller on guitar, Quentin De Lorenzis on keys and Leonard Fisher on percussion. The band regularly collaborates with other first nation artists and musicians to write and perform live. Ancestors’ their debut album was released in 2019 and has received 4 nominations at the Native American Music Awards in New York and won for Best World Recording. This truly unique band will take you on a cultural journey to the natural heartbeat of the Indigenous drum and the St’at’imc people.

  URL https://thespiritualwarriors.ca/

  [Lil’wat]

• Willie Thrasher & Linda Saddleback

  Willie Thrasher & Linda Saddleback

  [Inuvialuit]

  Willie Thrasher is a gifted Inuk singer and songwriter living in Nanaimo, BC with his partner Linda Saddleback. Three of Thrasher’s songs appeared on the 2014 Grammy-nominated compilation, Native North America (Vol. 1), renewing interest in his and other Indigenous artists’ work. Thrasher’s powerful 1981 debut album, Spirit Child, which the 3 songs came from, was then reissued in 2015.

  Thrasher was born in Aklavik, Northwest Territories, in 1948 and at five years of age, Thrasher was taken from his family and sent to a residential school where he was forbidden to practice his Inuvialuit culture. Music was a way for Thrasher to escape the pain and longing. He has recorded both as a solo artist, and as a member of several bands, including The Cordells, and Red Cedar, with Morley Loon.

  Thrasher has advocated for Inuit and First Nations issues for much of his career. Today, Thrasher performs at home and around the world with his partner Linda Saddleback due to the global attention garnered by Native North America (Vol. 1). Wherever he may be, Willie Thrasher is a trailblazing troubadour with an Indigenous heartbeat sound.

  [Inuvialuit]