“WE ARE STILL HERE!”

Indigenous Artists for this Event!

• Amanda Rheaume

  Amanda Rheaume

  [Metis]

  One of Rheaume’s great gifts as a songwriter is her ability to take the personal and make it universal, drawing upon her own experience to deliver messages with a wide resonance. She digs deep on The Skin I’m In, reflecting upon her Metis heritage, as on the profoundly moving title track and “Return To The Water,” and addressing issues of identity and mental health.

  [Metis]

• 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]

• Bob Robb

  Bob Robb

  Bob Robb is a boat man, a family man, but also an NFB filmmaker (The Fiddlers of James Bay), guitar picker, and a mighty fine folk-blues singer. In the late 1960s, Robb connected with poet and singer-songwriter Willie Dunn. Together, the two travelled the land, learning and sharing their gifts as well and their passion for community. The harmonica on Willie Dunn’s landmark “I Pity the Country”? That’s Bob Robb. The ghost notes and extra feeling on Willie’s self-titled albums, that’s Bob Robb too. He was there, an active participant, and still cares. He also contributes. Today, Bob lives in small town Ontario near the Saugeen Shores and can be heard playing everywhere from front porches to festivals.

• Brandon Peters

  Brandon Peters

  [Statimc]

  Brandon Peters is a first nations artist from Lillooet BC. He first started out performing at the age of 15 and since then has grown into an all around talented artist.

  He has opened for big names such as Snak The Ripper, Dax and Dani&Lizzy. His goal is to share his knowledge and encourage everybody to follow their dreams. You can find his music on all streaming platforms.

  [Statimc]

• Butterflies In Spirit

  Butterflies In Spirit

  [Skatin/Sts’Ailes]

  Butterflies in Spirit: Dance, Healing, & MMIWG builds on the years of community healing work Lorelei Williams has done with her dance group, Butterflies in Spirit. Founded in 2012, Butterflies in Spirit is a Vancouver based dance group consisting of family members of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls (MMIWG).

  [Skatin/Sts’Ailes]

• 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]

• Digging Roots

  Digging Roots

  [Anishinaabe]

  Digging Roots breathe life into songs from their land, Turtle Island, to raise their voices in solidarity with a global chorus of Indigenous artists, activists and change-makers. For over a decade, JUNO Award winners Digging Roots have traveled the world with a joyful message of resistance, celebrating Anishinabe and Onkwehonwe traditions of round dance and interconnectedness interwoven with the bedrock sounds of blues, soul and rock n’ roll.

  [Anishinaabe]

• DJ Kookum

  DJ Kookum

  [Alexis Nakota Sioux]

  Kookum is an Indigenous DJ and videographer from the Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation, and Cold Lake First Nations, their maternal Denesuline traditional territory. Based out of Vancouver BC, Kookum has been making a name for their self across the country and is no stranger in the community.

  Kookum is an open format DJ but grew up listing to EDM and Hip Hop music. This diverse mix diva slays on the decks and always keeps it hype, fresh, and unpredictable.

  [Alexis Nakota Sioux]

• 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]

• Dr. Duke Redbird

  Dr. Duke Redbird

  [Anishinaabe]

  Duke Redbird is a game changing poet, activist, teacher, artist, filmmaker, actor, broadcaster, intellectual, knowledge keeper, and true force of nature. In the 1960s, Duke was featured at the Mariposa Folk Festival for the first time alongside the likes of Joni Mitchell, Gordon Lightfoot, and Bob Dylan. In the 1970s, he served as vice-president for the Native Council of Canada. 1981 saw the release of his critically acclaimed poetry book, Loveshine and Red Wine. He has recited his trademark poetry and given insightful lectures around the world. Never one to slow down, Duke continues to be a key contributor to OCAD and the Toronto District School Board. In 2021, he is busier than ever, sharing his knowledge and gifts to receptive eyes, ears, and hearts.

  [Anishinaabe]

• Ecko Aleck

  Ecko Aleck

  [Nlakapamux]

  Ecko Aleck is from the Nlaka’pamux nation – Grizzly Bear clan, living on Pentlatch territory on Vancouver Island. Ecko is the artist and visionary behind Sacred Matriarch Productions. Initially launching her performing artistry with her english name Ecko, she is transitioning to take the stage as “Sacred Matriarch” for future shows and performances.

  Sacred Matriarch music can be described as the bridging between the ancestral world and modern times with a spicy addition of BIPOC truth-bombs woven with Indigenous hip hop or as Ecko likes to call it – IndigeHop.
  Ecko’s first EP launched December, 2019 and her next album is in the works for a release date later this fall/winter.

  [Nlakapamux]

• 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]

• Geo AKA The Voice

  Geo AKA The Voice

  [Secwepemc/Cree]

  George Ignace ~ Geo aka The Voice~, (Vocals, Beats) is Secwepemc and Cree, began working with The Melawmen Collective in 2007 through projects as artist, facilitator and producer.

  He is also a prolific wordsmith, a talented visual artist, and has collaborated on written published works, as well as other film projects, and practices his traditional culture through harvesting and processing traditional foods.

  [Secwepemc/Cree]

• 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]

• Gordon Dick

  Gordon Dick

  [Statimc]

  Born in Mount Currie, BC, Gordon Dick was surrounded by a family that loved music. With that influence of his early years, he started a rock band called “Siwash Rock”. His song of the same name appeared on the Grammy-nominated compilation Native North America (Vol. 1). in 2014.

  The band quickly became a sensation locally in the 1970s as they performed at weekend parties and weddings. In 2017 he performed at the Vancouver Folk Music Festival.

  [Statimc]

• 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]

• Hujune

  Hujune

  [Dakelh]

  Hujunē is comprised of Dakelh sisters Kumbayaz Dennis (flute, vocals) and Sabina Dennis (guitar, vocals). Tying activism and lyricism together the sisters have continued to be a strong presence in the grassroots activist community as well as a strong presence on stage as they perform their all original Dakelh contemporary music.

  Sabina Dennis-Luksil yoo (Caribou Clan)
  Kumbayaz Dennis-Luksil yoo (Caribou Clan)

  [Dakelh]

• Kevin Howes

  Kevin Howes

  Kevin Howes is a GRAMMY®-nominated producer of settler/immigrant heritage, humbly and respectfully working out of Toronto, Ontario (Tkaronto). His most recent project is Creation Never Sleeps, Creation Never Dies: The Willie Dunn Anthology and feels that Dunn should be mentioned alongside Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen, and Joni Mitchell when discussing the legends of popular song. Howes has played a major role in shaping the extensive catalogue of US-based reissue label Light in the Attic Records. The Jamaica-Toronto / Native North America series are key examples of his perception and dedication. His book deep liner notes also accompany Sixto Rodriguez’s landmark reissues. He has also helped to provide stages for a variety of artists at nationally broadcast events like the Native North America Gathering at Trinity-St. Paul’s in 2017. Howes is currently focused on Voluntary In Nature, an outlet for sharing.

• 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]

• Kiva MH

  Kiva MH

  [Secwepemc/ Nuu-Chah-Nulth]

  Kiva Morgan-Hall is a Secwepemc/Nuu-Chah-Nulth youth grounded through the roots of his people. He started his artistic solo and collaborative journey with The Melawmen Collective at the age of 7 years old, as a participant of their workshops (visual, song writing), then as a youth facilitator, and later as a working lyricist of the group as an early teen.

  He is a trained traditional cultural Nuu-Chah-Nulth dancer and performer, and his young wisdom shines through his verses, time and time again, relating to all generations.

  [Secwepemc/ Nuu-Chah-Nulth]

• 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]

• Lawrence Martin

  Lawrence Martin

  [Moose Cree]

  Lawrence Martin is well known for his incredible achievements in many different areas, from the political to the musical and beyond. Born on Moose Factory Island, but raised in the bush with his family, Martin became involved with music at a young age. An early hard rock group called VELL’s Universe featured Martin, Vern and Lloyd (as well as Elmer) Cheechoo, but it wasn’t until he connected with the Ojibway and Cree Cultural Centre in Timmins that he started to record original compositions. In the 1980s, Lawrence began working for the Wawatay Native Communications Society, a still active connector and information sharing outlet for northern Indigenous communities. In 1991, Lawrence became the first elected Aboriginal mayor in a municipality outside of a First Nations reserve in Sioux Lookout (and later, Cochrane, Ontario in 2003) and took home the first Indigenous Juno award ever with his landmark Lawrence Martin Is Wapistan CD 1994.

  [Moose Cree]

• Leela Gilday

  Leela Gilday

  [Dene]

  Apassionate singer/songwriter and soulful performer, Leela Gilday has a voice that comes straight from the heart. Confessing her stories to her audiences with a gutsy voice and open stage presence, Gilday weaves her experiences as a northerner, a member of the Dene Nation, and a traveler into a beautiful world that transports the listener.

  [Dene]

• Leland Bell

  Leland Bell

  [Anishinaabe]

  For Leland Bell, music and visual art are part of a greater whole. Born on Manitoulin Island, Leland is known is his community as a talented painter and songwriter/performer. Active in both mediums since the 1970s, he not only contributed to the Ojibway and Cree Cultural Centre’s Music From The Powerhouse album, but one of his paintings was featured on its cover. He has recently been active promoting his work on the pow wow trail and participated at the Native North America Gatherings at Trinity-St. Paul’s (2017) and the National Arts Centre (2018).

  [Anishinaabe]

• Levi-D

  Levi-D

  [Secwepemc/Cree]

  The youngest of Sundown and Savage House has been holding it down since the age of 14. With shows all over BC he’s known for his double-time raps and epic freestyles.Born in Alberta, Raised in BC this kid knows what he’s doing Ð so be on the look out for his new mixtapes/albums/shows.Check Levi-D out on his prolific soundcloud”

  [Secwepemc/Cree]

• 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]

• Lorelei Williams

  Lorelei Williams

  [Skatin/Sts’Ailes]

  Butterflies in Spirit: Dance, Healing, & MMIWG builds on the years of community healing work Lorelei Williams has done with her dance group, Butterflies in Spirit. Founded in 2012, Butterflies in Spirit is a dance group consisting of family members of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls (MMIWG).

  Lorelei Williams is a young single mom from the Skatin Nations on her mom side and Sts’Ailes on her dad’s side. To commemorate Aboriginal female victims of violence, Lorelei founded Butterflies in Spirit, an Indigenous women’s dance troupe, consisting of family members of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls. To date, they have staged over 70 awareness-raising performances for organizations such as Amnesty International and Canada’s Assembly of First Nations.

  They have also traveled internationally performing at the International Women’s World Peace event in Bogota, Colombia. She started this dance group as a way to get attention to her missing Aunt Belinda Williams picture and honour her cousin Tanya Holyk who was murdered by serial killer Robert Pickton. Lorelei has volunteered at Vancouver’s Battered Women’s Support Services as a crisis line support worker. She is also an active member of the missing and murdered Indigenous women’s coalition.

  [Skatin/Sts’Ailes]

• Mana Taketake

  Mana Taketake

  [Maori]

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

  [Maori]

• Marcel Gagnon

  Marcel Gagnon

  [Lheidli Tenneh]

  Marcel Gagnon is a local musician and elder member of the Lheidli Tenneh Band. Although he’s achieved national recognition as a Juno finalist, Olympic performer and an Elder in Residence at UNBC, he is certain his most fulfilling accomplishment is his connection to family. He lives off the grid and spends his time writing and helping people in need. Marcel feels his music has deepened over time and now writes from his soul.

  [Lheidli Tenneh]

• 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]

• Ostwelve

  Ostwelve

  [Sto:lo/Nlaka’pamux]

  Emcee Ron Dean Harris aka Ostwelve, is a Stolo/Nlaka’pamux multimedia artist based in Vancouver, BC.
  As hip-hop artist Ostwelve, he has performed in numerous festivals and has opened for acts such as Guru, K’naan, and Snoop DoggRon got his start with professional graphic design at the age of 14 after submitting a design to a Vancouver-based skateboard company “Arson” and got this design printed. In the same year he began co-hosting the “When Spirits Whisper” on CO-OP Radio 100.5 FM (formerly 102.7 FM).

  In the past years he’s worked on number of projects, most prominently as an actor and composer for APTN/Showcase dramatic series “Moccasin Flats” for two seasons as a performer and a lead character, and in the subsequent film project “Moccasin Flats: Redemption” in 2007. As well, he was the lead composer for APTN children’s Cree language series “Nehiyawetan: Let’s Speak Cree”.

  He has gone on to contribute music to TV series such as ARCTIC AIR, MOHAWK GIRLS, FIRST STORY, SKYE & CHANG and film projects like FIRE SONG, NUMBER 14, THE ROAD FORWARD, WINDIGO TALE and CEDAR & BAMBOO.

  In 2011, he was hired as Content Manager for RPM.fm, an Indigenous music culture website based out of Vancouver. The website focuses on bringing the latest of Indigenous music culture to its audience, as well as a podcast series of which he was the host. The podcast was selected as the recipient of the United Nations DPI Gold Medal as well as being awarded a Silver Medal in the Culture & The Arts, Audio Podcast category at the New York Festivals Awards.

  Check out the podcasts here: http://rpm.fm/podcasts/

  Most recently, Ron is featured in the National Film Board musical documentary “The Road Forward”, directed by Marie Clements. https://www.nfb.ca/film/road_forward/Ron performed and emceed at 2RMX in 2019 and 2018.

  [Sto:lo/Nlaka’pamux]

• 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]

• Rich & Beka

  Rich & Beka

  [Tsilhqot’in/ Secwepemc]

  Grounded in poetry, rap and melody, Rich n Beka are like fire and water, masculine and
  feminine elements of nature coming together in harmony. Their artistic partnership goes
  back six years, and bridges life and love – they’re engaged to be married and have a
  beautiful daughter together. Both share in the culture of the Tsilhqot’in Nation, Beka (Rebecca Solomon)
  from Xeni Gwet’in and Rich (Richard MacDonald) from Tletinq’ox, West of Williams Lake, BC.
  Rich n Beka carry the power of story, family, and community in their music. Rising up
  from the Tsilhqot’in, their music ignites the passion and presence of healing and
  resilience, the light of hope that shines when cycles of oppression are overcome.
  Unapologetic and powerful, there’s a fierce flow of Earth’s medicine through their song
  stories.

  URL https://www.richnbekamusic.com/

  [Tsilhqot’in/ Secwepemc]

• Ritchie & The Fendermen

  Ritchie & The Fendermen

  [Nlaka’pamux]

  [Nlaka’pamux]

• 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]

• TA'KAIYA BLANEY

  TA'KAIYA BLANEY

  [Tla’Amin]

  Ta’kaiya is a Tla’Amin Singer/Songwriter/Activist who grew up along the shores of the Salish Sea. Ta’kaiya has performed and spoken at UN conferences, festivals and environmental events around the world. Her video, Earth Revolution, was named Best Music Video at the 2017 American Indian Film Festival.

  URL http://www.takaiyablaney.com

  [Tla’Amin]

• 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]

• Viviane Sandy

  Viviane Sandy

  [Secwepemc]

  [Secwepemc]

• William Prince

  William Prince

  [Ojibway/Cree]

  William Prince
  William Prince approaches the big questions with humility and curiosity. Prince’s influences,
  from the gospel of his childhood to the pantheon of classic outlaw country singers, baseball and
  the great beyond, shape his approach to songcraft, a masterclass in skilful simplicity.
  Prince’s JUNO Award winning debut Earthly Days introduced the songwriter’s poignant
  philosophy and rich baritone to the world. His breakout song “Breathless,” found audiences
  worldwide. Prince followed up with Reliever, released February 2020. For this album, Prince
  began with a single word, Reliever, which informed a collection that explored how peace is
  found. Relievers come in all forms; for Prince, it is song.
  Prince surprised fans with a second new album in 2020. Gospel First Nation, released in October,
  is a “21st Century Northern Interlake Country Gospel” collection that tells stories of family and
  faith in the age of grief. The album explores Prince’s own family tree, the places and music that
  shaped his childhood, and explores the extremely complicated relationship of faith and
  colonialism with grace and empathy.

  [Ojibway/Cree]

• 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]

• Willy Mitchell

  Willy Mitchell

  [Algonquin/ Mohawk]

  Willy Mitchell is a living legend and co-organizer of 1981’s Sweet Grass Music Festival, recorded and released on vinyl back in the day as Sweet Grass Music. His personal, cultural, spiritual, and political songs like “Call of the Moose” have garnered attention near and far. Current albums such as Wolftracks have only added strength to his extensive repertoire. Currently based in Mistissini, he has been performing coast-to-coast in recent years helping to promote the Grammy-nominated Native North America compilation. 

  [Algonquin/ Mohawk]