Indigenous Music Week
Explore the cultural diversity of Indigenous music in Canada at Studio Bell
- Location: Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre (850 4th St. SE)
- Price: Free - $19
The music of Canada’s Indigenous people is as broad, complex, and dynamic as the communities and traditions from which it originates. With support from TD, join the National Music Centre (NMC) for a week of special programming and live music.
The lineup offers you the chance to experience folk-rock act Black Belt Eagle Scout and singer-songwriter Ansley Simpson, public workshops featuring emerging musicians Bebe Buckskin, Ghostkeeper, Carolina East, Ziibiwan, and Dan Auger, school programs for Indigenous students, a drum and dance workshop with Thundering Nations, and a live art installation by Jesse Gouchey.
You can even explore a new permanent exhibition. Speak Up! showcases Indigenous artists making social and political impacts in Canada, including Jeremy Dutcher, iskwē, Northern Cree, Tanya Tagaq, and more.
“The National Music Centre is committed to reconciliation through music and programs that inspire dialogue,” says Adam Fox, NMC’s Director of Programs, in a statement. “Indigenous Music Week is not only a celebration of music, but also an opportunity to initiate positive change.”
Indigenous Music Week at Studio Bell coincides with events happening across Canada in recognition of National Indigenous Peoples Day. NMC is offering free admission on June 21 from 10:00am to 5:00pm to visitors who identify as Indigenous or of Indigenous descent. Visit studiobell.ca for all the details.
With several special events to mark the occasion, be sure to make time to hit up these offerings:
Indigenous Music in Canada Guided Tour
June 19 – 22, 2019
Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre (850 4th Ave SE)
With admission
Catch a specialized tour that shines a light on the Indigenous artists and trailblazers featured inside Studio Bell. Tours take place throughout the week and conclude at NMC’s latest exhibit, Speak Up!
studiobell.ca
Creators’ Circle
June 20, 2019, 1:00pm
Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre (850 4th Ave SE)
With admission
Three emerging Indigenous acts—Bebe Buckskin, Diyet & The Love Soldiers, and Carolina East—are taking part in a customized three-day mentorship program thanks to this partnership with NMC, APTN, and Canada’s Music Incubator. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the artists and their creative process during this public workshop.
studiobell.ca
Isitsiipotaako
June 21, 2019, 1:00pm
Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre (850 4th Ave SE)
With admission (free for Indigenous people)
Indigenous Resilience in Music (IRIM), NMC, and Sled Island have teamed up to present this artist in residence workshop and performance. Meaning a song or sound that breaks silence in Blackfoot, Isitsiipotaako features electronic artist/producer Ziibiwan and Calgary guitarist Dan Auger.
studiobell.ca
Black Belt Eagle Scout, Ansley Simpson, and Guests
June 21, 2019, 6:45pm
Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre (850 4th Ave SE)
$14 – $19
Black Belt Eagle Scout, Ansley Simpson, Ziibiwan, and DRI HIEV join IRIM, NMC, and Sled Island for a very special night of music and you won’t want to miss it. There’s even a chance to see Danni Black’s short film, A Love Letter to My Unborn Child, before the concert starts.
studiobell.ca
Saturday Celebration
June 22, 2019, 10:00am – 5:00pm
Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre (850 4th Ave SE)
With admission
Enjoy music, art, and dance that celebrates the cultural diversity of Canada’s Indigenous Peoples. See local Indigenous artist Jesse Gouchey complete a live painting and showcase some of his film and fashion work and take in a drum and dance workshop with Thundering Nations. You can even go on a tour that focuses on Indigenous artists who’ve made an impact on music in Canada.
studiobell.ca
Indigenous Music Week runs June 19 to 22, 2019 at Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre (850 4th St. SE) and coincides with National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21.
