June 6th, 2023
LIVE @ The National Arts Centre, Ottawa

2 International Categories  – 13 Self-Nomination Categories – 1 Legacy Award

Featuring live performances by:

Joel Wood

Plex

Aysanabee

Indian City

Andrea Menard

Hosted by:

Sarain Fox

Tickets on Sale NOW!

Awards Show: $20

VIP Tickets: $75 

(Includes best seats in the house, pre-show reception
and a special sneak peak performance. More info below.)

BUY TICKETS

VIP Ticket Holders Get Access to:

VIP Performance by Aysanabee

Catch a sneak peak of Aysanabee, a talented Oji-Cree leading the SSIMAs with 6 nominations.

VIP Pre-Show Reception

NDN Taco Station

Corn meal dusted white fish tacos, with crispy shallots, corn and black bean salsa, sweetgrass and chili remoulade, julienned lettuce.

Chef Station 

• Lightly smoked bison tataki w/ gingerroot & birch glaze
• Cured Arctic Char on spiced bannock w/ pickled fiddlehead greens 
• Wild rice & corn fritters w/ cranberry jam
•  Forest mushroom panisse w/ blistered cherry tomato & shallot relish

Beverages

• Sweetgrass and Strawberry Water (Chilled)
• Blueberry Labrador Iced Tea (Chilled)
• Non Alcoholic Sparkling Wine

About Chef Chris

Mohawk Chef Chris Commandant, originally from the Wahta Haudenosaunee community, is a graduate from Le Cordon Bleu Paris and owner of Otsenha Indigenous Culinary Solutions, bringing three decades of industry experience. Commandant served as the coordinator for Algonquin College’s Indigenous Cook Pre-Apprenticeship Program and actively supports the Ottawa Carleton District School Board with Indigenous food education development. As an Indigenous Food Knowledge Keeper, Commandant is especially passionate about sharing the history and values passed onto him from his ancestors with Indigenous community members and allies.

BUY TICKETS

Canadian Music Week is pleased to announce Raven Kanatakta and Sho-Shona Kish of Digging Roots will receive the 2023 CMW Allan Slaight Humanitarian Spirit Award during a special presentation at the Westin Harbour Castle on June 10, in recognition of their longstanding commitment to charitable initiatives. The CMW Allan Slaight Humanitarian Award is presented annually to a Canadian artist, duo or group, in recognition of their social activism and benevolent support of humanitarian interests and causes. As recipient of this Award, The Slaight Family Foundation will make a sizable donation towards a charity of Digging Roots choosing.
 
“Digging Roots are a living example of community. The music that Raven and Sho-Shona create is grounded in the spirit of home and that is evident in all they give back as their star continues to rise,” said Gary Slaight, President and CEO of the Slaight Family Foundation. “My father Allan was a champion of the arts and we are proud to carry on his legacy by celebrating generous and thoughtful work by admirable artists like Digging Roots.”
 
As part of Canadian Music Week, two-time JUNO Award winner Digging Roots will also host the Canadian Live Music Industry Awards on June 9 at the Westin Harbour Castle. Digging Roots are also nominated for two Jim Beam® INDIES for Group or Duo of the Year and Indigenous Artist/Group or Duo of the Year.

The husband and wife team Raven Kanatakta and Sho-Shona Kish of Digging Roots are Anishinabek and Onkwehón:we musicians, songwriters, and activists who have traveled around the world spreading conscious music that speaks to the modern identity of being Indigenous people in Canada. They connect the past to the present with an understanding of history, Indigenous knowledge, and music. Since the inception of Digging Roots, Raven and Sho-Shona have supported many, many grassroots and cultural events in the advocacy of Indigenous Rights. Their last philanthropic organized performance before the pandemic was a collaboration to present We Are The Stronghold: Music, Ceremony & Celebration in Solidarity with Wet’suwet’en, where they raised over $30,000. Over the years they’ve conducted music workshops with children in isolated reserves with a focus on identity, empowerment, history, colonialism, and creativity. They’ve also gifted instruments like drums, guitars, harmonicas, and amplifiers to Indigenous children.
 
As recipients for the Humanitarian Award they would acquire Ground Penetrating Radar machines that will be donated to a national organization to be made available to First Nation communities to survey and find children who have been murdered in their traditional territories when mandated Residential Schools operated across Canada. To date, the bodies of 10,000 young people have been discovered in unmarked graves.
 
Raven and Sho-Shona are the first generation in their family to not forcibly attend Residential Schools. Their sons, Skye and Wawaasnode, are their family’s first generation to be raised completely without the direct influence of clergymen and clergywomen.  Through Digging Roots, Raven and Sho-Shona have been publicly engaging audiences from Johannesburg, South Africa, to Penticton, BC, on this subject matter through songs like ‘Cut My Hair’ and ’Sweetwater’. Raven notes that “We are in a time of reconciliation, we need to move our allied discussions from conversation to action, and that means we need co-conspirators to get the healing process started. It’s time to learn from the past so we don’t repeat the injustices of yesteryear. The only way forward is to face the truth of this country and implement solutions for peace.”
 
The healing process of Canada needs to begin with people; with people who have connected their minds to their hearts. Raven and Sho-Shona have utilized music as a voice for justice, peace, inspiration, empathy, and dance. You’ll always find Digging Roots singing Song Lines with the Round Dance beat of their own drum in cities, to the end of the road on the Rez.
 
“For someone who grew up in Canada, it is hard to believe we were not taught about the abhorrent atrocities going on in this country for generations,” said Neill Dixon, President of Canadian Music Week. “In 2021, Raven Kanatakta shared a striking story of how his grandmother would say “Shame on you, Canada.”, and this has stuck with us. It is through the work of Allan Slaight Humanitarian Spirit Award recipients like Digging Roots and the late Gord Downie that the truth comes to the surface in new ways through music and conversation.”

Each year, Slaight Communications and Canadian Music Week awards an outstanding Canadian artist, in recognition of their contribution to social activism and support of humanitarian causes. Previous CMW Allan Slaight Humanitarian Spirit Award recipients include Abel “The Weeknd’ Tesfaye, Buffy Sainte-Marie, Gord Downie, Arcade Fire, RUSH, Sarah McLachlan, Chantal Kreviazuk & Raine Maida, Simple Plan, Bruce Cockburn, Bryan Adams and Nelly Furtado. 
 
ABOUT ALLAN SLAIGHT
A pioneer of rock and roll, Allan parlayed his entrepreneurial flair with his knowledge of radio to create Canada’s largest privately owned multi-media company, Standard Broadcasting Corporation Limited. An inductee into the Broadcast Hall of Fame (1997), the recipient of an Honorary Doctor of Commerce from Ryerson Polytechnic University (2000), appointed a Member of the Order of Canada (2001), the recipient of the Walt Grealis Special Achievement Award (2005) for his contribution to the growth and development of the Canadian music industry, Allan has also maintained a lifelong interest in conjuring.

ABOUT THE SLAIGHT FAMILY FOUNDATION
The Slaight Family Foundation was established in 2008 by John Allan Slaight.  Allan Slaight (1931-2021), known as Canada’s broadcast pioneer, was a leader in the music industry and a prominent Canadian philanthropist. Through his generosity, the Foundation proactively supports charitable initiatives in the areas of healthcare, at-risk youth, international development, social services and culture. The foundation is overseen by Allan’s son, Gary Slaight, President & CEO, The Slaight Family Foundation.
 
ABOUT CANADIAN MUSIC WEEK: Now in its 41^st year, Canadian Music Week is Canada’s leading annual entertainment event dedicated to the expression and growth of the country’s music, media and entertainment industries. Combining multifaceted information-intensive conferences; a trade exposition; awards shows and the nation’s largest new music festival. All conference functions occur at The Westin Harbour Castle at 1 Harbour Square in Toronto.

SOCIAL:
https://www.facebook.com/canadianmusicweek/
https://twitter.com/CMW_Week
https://www.instagram.com/canadianmusicweek/
#CMW2023

Media Contact: Damien Nelson, [email protected]
 
ABOUT DIGGING ROOTS
https://www.facebook.com/DiggingRootsMusic/
https://www.instagram.com/diggingroots/
https://www.diggingrootsmusic.com/
Digging Roots Contact: CultureCap Artists, Keely Kemp, [email protected]

We’re thrilled to announce the nominees for the 2023 Arctic Music Awards. The awards recognizes outstanding achievements in music for artists based in the Arctic. The winners will be determined by popular votes and announced at the Arctic Music Conference on March 25.

🏆 Click HERE to vote!
Deadline: March 22, 2023

🎟️ Get Conference Tickets HERE (it’s free)
Dates: March 24-25, 2023
(Click HERE for more information.)Artist of the Year:

• Aasiva
• Jacob Okatsiak
• Young Keen
• Whigga Boi Drax
• Lutie Kaviok
• Shauna Seeteenak
• Aocelyn
• Uyarakq
• Angela Amarualik

Group of the Year:

• Tarrak x Peand-eL
• The Trade-Offs
• Twin Flames

Indigenous Artist/Group of the Year:

• Aasiva
• Jacob Okatsiak
• Young Keen
• Lutie Kaviok
• Shauna Seeteenak
• Aocelyn
• Tarrak x Peand-eL
• Angela Amarualik
• The Trade-Offs
• Twin Flames

Single of the Year:

• Jacob Okatsiak – Fly High
• Young Keen – chïmneÿ
• Lutie Kaviok – Decisions
• Angela Amarualik ft. Qattuu – Sanngijuq
• Shauna Seeteenak – Qiviktailigit (Don’t Give Up)
• Aocelyn – I Wish I Was a King
• Angela Amarualik – Summa Tamaani
• Uyarakq – parrutileqaat
• Brenda Montana – Together As One
• The Trade-Offs – Crowberry Hill
• Twin Flames – Grace Too

Album of the Year:

• Aasiva – Niriunniq
• Young Keen – UVANGA
• Lutie Kaviok – The Come Up
• Shauna Seeteenak – Therapy Sessions
• Aocelyn – Lovely
• Angela Amarualik – Uvannik
• Uyarakq – Whale Dick
• The Trade-Offs – Let Go, Give In, Fall Down
• Twin Flames – Omen

Music Video of the Year:

• Jacob Okatsiak – Fly High
• Young Keen – chïmneÿ
• Lutie Kaviok – Breaking Me Down Ft. Chris Jr Mikeeuneak
• Aocelyn – I Wish I Was a King
• Angela Amarualik – Angirrarviga
• Uyarakq – parrutileqaat
• Twin Flames – Who I am
• The Trade-Offs – Put ‘Em Down

We congratulate all the nominees on their exceptional work and dedication, and wish them the best of luck!

 🏆 Click HERE to vote!
Deadline: March 22, 2023

🎟️ Get Conference Tickets HERE (it’s free)
Dates: March 24-25, 2023
(Click HERE for more information.)

Performers, speakers, and panelists will be announced on March 16, 2023.
For PR, bookings, or more information, please contact: [email protected]
 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
 Acknowledgment

The events were made possible with support from Hitmakerz, Nunavut Music, and the Government of Nunavut. We also acknowledge the financial support of FACTOR and Canada’s private radio broadcasters.
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About Hitmakerz
Founded in 2016, Hitmakerz is a full-service record label based in Nunavut. Specializing in creating world-class Inuit and Indigenous music, Hitmakerz has studios in Iqaluit, Ottawa, and Toronto. A social enterprise, their mission is to create viable careers in the arts for Inuit and Indigenous artists through music, media, and education, as well as to empower artists to share their stories and strengthen their culture. For more information, go to hitmakerz.com

“By mining traditional Navajo “spinning songs” of love, healing and courtship, and marrying them to jazz and funk lines, Anderson and his trio have taken a place at the forefront of a vibrant Native American jazz scene.”

The trumpeter’s trio takes inspiration from traditional Navajo songs. Its work has stirred up global interest, as well as conversations about the responsibilities of Indigenous artists.

Read Full Article Here

DDAT wants to thank everyone for subscribing to their page! We wanted to say hello from South Dakota’s Crazy Horse Memorial. DDAT just finished a show with the great Doc Native from the Seminole tribe of Florida. We have so many people and organizations to thank who have helped us with our journey to the New York Times!

We have been able to create such an organic team of individuals. Many of us met though local gigs. Later we all became friends. From time to time we still get together and make things happen. There’s nothing like having support from those who believe in you and have very special gifts. 

To the Crew:

Jude Candelaria – Sound Engineer 

Carlos Martinez – Graphics/Photos

Dakarai Williams – Office Management 

Maurice Johnson – Media

Gerardo Diaz – Tech/Video

Karen Ellsbury & Patrick Hazen – Support/Space Management

Mentors are such an important part of walking in the industry. We are so thankful for those who took the time and still do to this day to mentor and guide our ensemble through life, business and the arts. 

To our Mentors:

David Greenberg 

Ed Bourgeois

Gargi Shindé

Tim Wilson

Shane Cadman

Organizations have been such a huge help in completing our projects. Many of our grants and awards were to build a growing and sustainable art project. We are happy to announce all projects funded are continuing to grow and tour. 

Supportive Organizations:

Connie Gotsch Arts Foundation – supporting our community jazz jams and jazz festival in Farmington, NM.

South Arts – granting DDAT the Jazz Road Creative Residencies 2021 (Bureau of Land Management Tour) and Jazz Road Tour 2023 (Jacob C Morgan Tour). 

Mid Atlantic Arts – supporting our South Africa project and Kindred Spirits Album. USArtists International Award.

Lewis Prize for Music – supporting our Build A Band project fostering & nurturing young musicians in Farmington, NM. Think Tank Youth Program.

First Peoples Fund – supporting our Bureau of Land Management tour and Build A Band project. Cultural Capital Fellow 2023.

Chamber Music America – helping develop our regional jazz presenters consortium! Presenters Jazz Consortium 2021 & 2022. Shout out to Cortez Cultural Center, gallupARTS and Northwest New Mexico Arts Council. 

WESTAF – for the leaderships skills and mentorship. Emerging Leaders Program 2021.

We would like to thank those who have given us space to relax, think and create! All of our projects were built with the help of space, environment and funding.

To our Creative Residencies:

Caldera Arts

Willowtail Springs

Some Serious Business

Cortez Cultural Center 

Farmington Civic Center

Institute of American Indian Art – March 8 – April 20, 2023

Bureau of Land Management – August 2 – September 3, 2023

Hawaii Volcanoes National Monument – October 3 – 31, 2023

PROJECTS

Kindred Spirits – A Navajo-South African Story

Diné & Zulu cultures cross collaborate to bring a performance/story about cultural hardship and the importance of Indigenous tribal Matriarch.

Grandma’s Song Release March 8, 2023 (International Women’s Day)

Kindred Spirits Album Releases April 1, 2023

www.contentca.co.za

South Africa Tour in conjunction with WOMAD

Sept. 21 – Oct. 2, 2023

Spirit Coalescent 

Eight (8ft x 4.4ft) canvases telling the story of how Indigenous peoples heal themselves through the landscapes. 2023 brings a new cast featuring Rena Priest (WA State Poet Laureate), Stephen Brown Dance Studio, the Delbert Anderson Trio and photo fusion artists Karen Ellsbury & Patrick Hazen. Multi-Media Presentation featuring art, music, dance and poetry.

Currently searching for Residency 

DDAT Suite

The Delbert Anderson Trio’s original compositions arranged for large group ensembles. Every new location, a new piece is composed by Franklin and the trio with the Indigenous tribes representing the lands in which we will be performing. We then premiere the piece with the large group. While the trio and Franklin are rehearsing during the week, we offer a numerous amount of workshops, community outreach and engagements. DDAT Suite has worked very well in the University setting. The project also helps connect many different departments with your performance space. 

DDAT Suite Opening New Oregon Theater (Stay updated for details) 

April 6, 2024 

Build A Band

Fosters and Nurtures young musicians in the fields of music business and artistic development. The Third Hour has been supported by the Lewis Prize of Music and First Peoples Fund. The will be doing a mentored 2023 tour with the Delbert Anderson Trio:

June 7 – Gallup, NM

June 8 – Santa Fe, NM

June 9 – Ignacio, CO

June 10 – Cortez, CO

June 11 – Farmington, NM

Painted Mountains

A partnership between the Delbert Anderson Trio and Bureau of Land Management. The Trio visits the BLM Artist in Residency locations and connects with the Indigenous tribes and compose pieces inspired by their culture and land environment. The project celebrates public land access and Indigenous cultures. 2022 consisted of 5 locations 5 performances, 5 workshops and 5 research days with the Indigenous tribes. This year, we will visit 13 sites:

Painted Mountains Tour 2023

Organ Mountains Desert Peaks, Las Cruces, NM – Aug. 2 & 3

El Malpais NCA (Rio Puerco), Grants, NM – Aug. 4 & 5

Canyon of the Ancients, Delores, CO – Aug. 7 & 8

Gunnison Gorge NCA, Montrose, CO – Aug. 9 & 10

Dominguez/Escalante NCA, Grand Junction, CO – Aug. 11 & 12

Canyon Country District, Moab, UT – Aug. 13 & 14

Basin and Range National Monument, Advent, NV – Aug. 16 & 17

California Trail Interpretive Center, Elko, NV – Aug. 18 & 19

Morley Snake River Birds of Prey, Boise, ID – Aug. 20 & 21

Lake Simsimtus, Warm Springs, OR – Aug. 23 & 24

King Range NCA, Shelter Cove, CA – Aug. 27 & 28

California Coastal NM at Trinidad, Trinidad, CA – Aug. 29 & 30

San Juan Islands NM, Lopez Island, WA – Sept. 2 & 3

Currently seeking partners, sponsorships and funding.

Naat’áanii Musical 

Naat’áanii struggles to whether to choose a traditional life or a modern society way of living. Through dance, Naat’áanii begins to find his true identity while going through many life trials. New Native Theatre is currently working with the musical. To be released 2024…

Currently searching for Residency 

The Jacob C. Morgan Project 

Jacob C. Morgan was a Diné trumpet player who was born in Crownpoint, NM (1879) and died in Farmington, NM (1950). The project is mainly an ongoing research project to expose the history of a Diné historical figure. During our research, we were able to find music of Indigenous bands who came our of the Indigenous Boarding School systems. These songs were arranged in the trio’s way of performance. South Arts supported these efforts and awarded us with the jazz road touring grant which will follow Jacob’s locations according to his milestones in life. During the tour, we will have a brief presentation about  Jacob C. Morgan and his important contribution to today’s living.

Jacob’s Tour 2023

May 30 – Crownpoint, NM

May 31 – Gallup, NM

June 1 – Ft. Defiance, AZ

June 2 – Ignacio, CO

June 3 – Cortez, CO

June 4 – Farmington, NM

Searching for funding to help create statue in Farmington, NM

Delbert Anderson Trio

The Delbert Anderson Trio allows improvised sounds of the Diné circle to resurface with jazz, funk and hip-hop. The trio brings all venues back to the social tornado of Diné Spinning songs. Spinning Songs were composed to teach all people stories and traditions of the past, present and future. The trio researched Diné melodies of the past for inspiration, perform our stories for today and preserve cultural music for the future.  

Hózhó (Beauty & Balance) formed the trio by combining different personal identities and cultural backgrounds. K’é (Family Values) keeps the trio together as one unit practicing the values of love, compassion, kindness, friendliness, generosity and peacefulness.  

Upcoming DDAT shows:

April 8 – Stanford Live, Stanford, CA

April 15 – IAIA Presentation Event, Santa Fe, NM

May 15 – Spokane Fall Community College, Spokane, WA

May 19 – Edmonds Center for the Arts, Edmonds, WA

May 20 – Center for the Arts at Kayenta, Kayenta, UT

May 21 – Boulder Arts Council, Boulder, UT

May 27 – Riverfest, Farmington, NM

June 30 – Jazz in the Gardens, D.C.

July 12 – Green Box Arts, Green Mountain Falls, CO

July 14/15 – California Worldfest, Grass Valley, CA

July 21 – OKC Levitt Amp, Clifton, OK

November 3/4 – Lakewood Cultural Center, Lakewood, CO

November 11 – Clovis Community College, Clovis, NM

(For booking, please contact [email protected] or andre@indigenousperformance.org)

Press: Delbert Anderson (505)-478-7004 

Thank you for all your support!

Please check out other projects:

Anderson’s Don Cherry Project

Julia Keefe Indigenous Big Band

Welcome to Indian Country

SHOW AT THE GRAND THÉÂTRE DE QUÉBEC / SOIRÉE TELUS+ / ANACHNID

with Bran Van 3000, The Brooks and Lydia Képinski

Tiohtiá:ke (Montreal), January 31, 2023 – Hello, kuei (innu-aimun), kweih (crie), kwei (atikamekw), boozhoo (anishinabé), kwaï (w8banaki), pusu’l (micmaque), kwehkwe (kanien’ke’ha), waachiyaa (naskapi), ai (inuktitut), ndio (wendat), ‘qey (wolastoqey) ! 

On February 17, TELUS and the Grand Théâtre de Québec will present the Soirée Telus+, featuring Anachnid, Lydia Képinski, The Brooks and Bran Van 3000, hosted by Pierre-Yves Lord. As part of the third year of its 10-year agreement with the Grand Théâtre de Québec, TELUS will donate $10 to Musique Nomade for each ticket reserved, which will allow the organization to continue to work towards the development and recognition of the musical talents of Indigenous artists. 

“This show is clearly in keeping with the spirit of the partnership between TELUS and the Grand Théâtre, which aims to promote the performing arts and enhance the programming through innovative projects,” said Christian Noël, director of programming at the Grand Théâtre de Québec. In addition to enjoying the performances of high-level artists, the audience will have the opportunity to live a unique experience during this magnificent evening.” 

“MN is pleased and honoured to have the support of TELUS for its show at the Grand Théâtre de Québec. This support will help us in our activities that contribute to the development and recognition of Indigenous talents and identities in music,” said Joëlle Robillard, Executive and Artistic Director, Musique Nomade. Thank you to all music lovers who will purchase a ticket and for whom musical passion will be synonymous with support for Indigenous artists.”

To purchase your tickets for the Soirée TELUS+ at the Grand Theatre, visit soireetelusplus.ca. Clients who are members of the PRIMO benefits program are entitled to a pair of free tickets. More information is available here.

RESERVE / BUY YOUR TICKETS HERE

PHOENIX – ANACHNID

Director : Adien Villagomez
℗©Musiquenomade2022

LISTEN TO HER ALBUM DREAMWEAVER

Toronto, Ontario (February 9, 2023) – Ishkōdé Records, an Indigenous and women-owned label dedicated to amplifying and advocating for Indigenous artists, songs, and stories in the commercial landscape, has entered into a joint venture to launch their publishing arm with CCS Rights Management, a leading global independent music publishing, rights administration, and creative services company.

The CCS team will supply administrative support and expertise through their worldwide network and creative support for any signings identified by Ishkōdé through songwriting opportunities, synchronization placements, song camps, co-writes, and more.

Led by Anishinaabekwe artist and activist ShoShona Kish (of the group Digging Roots) and Métis community organizer and solo artist Amanda Rheaume, Ishkōdé Records approaches independent label operations through the lens of female artist entrepreneurship and long-standing industry experience, from a culturally rooted foundation.

Ishkōdé Records is celebrating its two recent Juno Awards nominations in the Contemporary Indigenous Artist or Group of the Year, for Aysanabee’s Watin and Digging Roots’ Zhawenim. The label roster also includes Rheaume and Morgan Toney, a Mi’kmaq singer-songwriter and fiddler from Wagmatcook First Nation, in what is commonly known as Nova Scotia.

“Our team is thrilled to be working with CCS as we continue to grow the Ishkōdé Records family,” said ShoShona Kish, Ishkode Records Co-Founder and President. “The team at CCS has established themselves in the music industry, not just on Turtle Island, but globally. We are excited to see what this joint venture will bring and what our combined passions and talents can accomplish to amplify and elevate the brilliant and critical work of Indigenous songwriters.”

“We could not be more grateful and excited about this joint venture with Ishkōde Records,” said Jodie Ferneyhough, CCS Founder and President. “The company that ShoShona and Amanda have built is incredibly unique and important, and we look forward to working with them more as they expand the Ishkōde mission into music publishing.”

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About Ishkōdé Records

Ishkōdé Records is an Indigenous and women-owned label created to foster and amplify Indigenous voices. Led by the artists, organizers, and activists Anishinaabekwe ShoShona Kish (of the group Digging Roots) and Métis singer-songwriter Amanda Rheaume, Ishkōdé approaches independent label operations through the lens of female artist entrepreneurship, long-standing industry experience, and cultural and ancestral processes. The word Ishkōdé means fire in Anishinaabemowin.

About CCS Rights Management

CCS Rights Management is a global independent music publishing and rights administration company providing a full range of services to its roster of award-winning, established, and up-and-coming songwriters, artists, musicians, producers, and labels, as well as global media and production companies, and corporate brands. The company manages more than 150,000 copyrights and specializes in publishing administration, royalty collection, creative services, neighbouring rights administration, and music licensing for film, TV advertising, games, and other media. For more information, visitccsrightsmanagement.com and daytrippersongs.com.

Follow on social media:

Ishkōdé Records: @ishkoderecords
CCS Rights Management: @CCSRights

Media Contacts:

Laurie Jakobsen 917.697.2274 / [email protected]
Casey DeArmon 678.622.2692 / [email protected]

Yup’ik culture bearer and Pamyua bandmember Qacung Blanchett has been using music to perpetuate culture for three decades, and recently the support has been rolling in. In late 2021, Blanchett received a Native Arts & Cultures Foundation SHIFT award to develop a series of workshops that strengthen Sugpiaq/Alutiiq drumming and dancing on Kodiak Island. In early 2022, he was recognized as a United States Artist Fellow and named one of the Kennedy Center’s Next 50. “I’m really excited. To get this type of recognition is pretty huge. It’s pretty big for any artist,” he said.

USA Fellows receive $50,000 of unrestricted funding and support from a financial advisor to use the money in the most impactful way. Blanchett released a solo album in 2021, and he said the fellowship funds are a resource that could help him continue creating his own music. 

To celebrate a half century, the Kennedy Center recognized 50 leaders in arts, athletics, and other disciplines. The center and the 50 leaders will collaborate to continue offering opportunities in arts and heritage. “I’m going to be leveraging that resource of the Kennedy Center to be able to uplift the work we’re doing in cultural justice and decolonization work we do in schools and communities,” Blanchett said.

On top of his personal artistic pursuits and educational initiatives, Blanchett works as the Art Education Director for Juneau Arts and Humanities Council. He spearheaded the creation of the Juneau-based Rock Áak’w festival, an indigenous music festival that launched in November 2021 and will be an ongoing event held every other year. Learn more about Blanchett on qacung.com.

Nunavut Music seeks to support industry professionals and strengthen Inuit language and culture.

Until recently, Nunavut was the only Canadian province or territory without an official music industry association. With the establishment of Nunavut Music, that is no longer the case.

The mission of the non-profit organization is to help Nunavut artists and industry workers create sustainable careers in music through professional development, administrative assistance, fundraising, performance opportunities, travel support, networking opportunities, and more.

Other objectives include advocacy and representation at industry events, promotion to global markets, and strengthening of Inuit languages and culture through music. In short, Nunavut Music is designed to become a singular music development hub and contact point.

The organization will be run by a volunteer staff and steering committee, whose members will represent and lobby on behalf of local needs. In order to serve, individuals, groups, and organizations must be either: 

• Nunavut industry professionals with 2+ years experience
• Canadian industry professionals 15+ years experience, or
• Representatives from Nunavut-based arts, cultural, and economic development organizations, which are either democratically elected, demographically-representative, or reputable advocates of the interests of Nunavummiut artists.

The founding organizational members include Qaggiavuut Society, Alianait Arts Festival, Hitmakerz, Iqaluit Music Society, and several others. A callout for artist and industry professional members will be announced soon. Consultations with the Government of Nunavut, Travel Nunavut, L’Association des francophones du Nunavut, and other related music industry stakeholders are also underway.

The organization’s Executive Director will be Thor Simonsen, a long-time supporter of Nunavut’s music industry. Simonsen grew up in Iqaluit, but is currently based in Ottawa. He has worked as a professional musician, music producer, instructor, and record label executive.

The organization was founded in December 2022, and once properly up and running, Nunavut Music hopes to launch many new programs and services for Nunavummiut, starting in 2023. Plans to train and hire Inuit staff and provide services in both Inuktitut and French are also currently in development.

To learn more, please visit www.nunavutmusic.com

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For more information, please contact [email protected]
For logos and press photos, please click here.

The original exhibit Creations of Spirit will be open at the High Desert Museum opening January 28, 2023, and will run through October 1, 2023

News announcement from High Desert Museum

For many Native communities throughout the High Desert, what constitutes art spans beyond the walls of a gallery or a museum. Objects are alive, tied to purpose and intrinsic to thriving communities. Art is at once utilitarian and ceremonial, as well as part of the continuation of Native traditions.

Opening on January 28, 2023, Creations of Spirit will immerse High Desert Museum visitors in the Indigenous Plateau worldview, reflecting knowledge systems of tribes along the Columbia River and its tributaries.

Six Native artists commissioned for this new, original exhibition are creating artwork that will be used in Native communities before arriving at the Museum. A seventh artist is creating an interactive piece for the center of the gallery. Creations of Spirit will be a one-of-a-kind, celebratory experience featuring the stories of these living works of art. Videos, audio and large projections will immerse visitors in the landscapes and communities in which these objects are used, highlighting the theme of artwork as alive, full of stories and created for specific purposes and people. The original works will be supplemented with nine artifacts on loan from the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C.

“The works offered by these deeply gifted and knowledgeable artists will be used in their communities to teach and share traditions,” said Museum Executive Director Dana Whitelaw, Ph.D. “And the objects will continue to be available to Native communities to use even after Creations of Spirit closes as part of the Museum’s collection. We plan for community members to continue to access these objects.”

About the Native artists

The artists in Creations of Spirit have roots throughout the Plateau region.

Joe Feddersen (Colville) is an acclaimed contemporary sculptor, basket weaver, painter, photographer and mixed-media artist who created a basket for the exhibition that will be used to harvest roots in the spring. Feddersen, a member of the Colville Confederated Tribal Arts and Humanities Board, received the Eiteljorg Fellowship for Native American Fine Art award in 2021 and is one of six Indigenous artists to be featured in the 2023 Renwick Gallery Invitational at the Smithsonian’s American Art Museum in Washington, D.C.

RYAN! Feddersen (Colville) is a well-known regional artist working on an art piece for the center of the Creations of Spirit gallery. Feddersen grew up in Wenatchee, Washington and is now based in Tacoma. Her visual artwork utilizes metaphor, history, Plateau storytelling and pop culture influences. Her large-scale pieces have been shown at the Seattle Art Museum, Museum of Art & History Santa Cruz, Burke Museum and Portland Art Museum.

Natalie Kirk (Warm Springs) is weaving two baskets that will be used to educate youth through schools and community programs. Kirk considers herself a contemporary weaver who has shown her artwork at the Museum of Contemporary Craft in partnership with the Pacific Northwest College of Art in Portland.

H’Klumaiyat Roberta Joy Kirk (Wasco, Warm Springs, Diné) is creating regalia for young women to wear during special ceremonies. Kirk has spent her life sewing and beading since her family lost priceless family heirlooms in a house fire as a young girl. She passes down the intricate art of Plateau beadwork through classes and mentoring. Kirk was a recipient of the 2020 Governor’s Arts Award.

Phillip Cash Cash, Ph.D. (Cayuse, Nez Perce) is producing traditional Plateau flutes that he will play to teach others about their cultural significance. Cash Cash is an artist, writer, endangered language advocate and linguistic anthropology scholar. As a fluent Nez Perce speaker, he works with communities and professional organizations to promote cultural advocacy, identity and communication. He co-founded the Luk’upsiimey/North Star Collective, which supports Indigenous artists and writers. Cash Cash serves on the board of the Endangered Language Fund and the Native Voices Endowment.

Jefferson Greene (Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs) is constructing a tule reed canoe and paddles used by Native youth in continuing important cultural traditions. Greene is an executive at the Columbia River Institute for Indigenous Development Foundation and an Ichishkiin who offers classes to students, kindergarten to the professional level, in language, arts, and language instructor. Greene is also an artist who offers classes to students, from kindergarten to professional levels, in language, arts, sports, health and spiritual education.

Kelli Palmer (Wasco, Warm Springs) is creating a traditional corn husk hat known as a Patłapa. Palmer grew up on the Warm Springs Reservation. At a Northwest Native American Basketweavers Association gathering, Palmer’s mother tricked her into walking around the room. Palmer attended her first class, and she’s been weaving ever since. She now teaches basketry classes throughout Oregon and Washington. Among numerous awards, she received Best in Show at the Tribal Member Art Show in Warm Springs in 2009 and Honorable Mention in 2011.

The original exhibit Creations of Spirit will be open at the High Desert Museum through Sunday, October 1, 2023.

Learn more at highdesertmuseum.org/creations-of-spirit.

Creations of Spirit is made possible by Bend Cultural Tourism Fund, Central Oregon Daily, Ford Family Foundation, National Endowment for the Arts, Old Mill District, Oregon Community Foundation and Oregon Heritage Commission with support from Bend Magazine, Cascade A&E and the James F. and Marion L. Miller Foundation.

ABOUT THE MUSEUM:

The HIGH DESERT MUSEUM opened in Bend, Oregon, in 1982. It brings together wildlife, cultures, art, history and the natural world to convey the wonder of North America’s High Desert. The Museum is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, is a Smithsonian Affiliate, was the 2019 recipient of the Western Museums Association’s Charles Redd Award for Exhibition Excellence and was a 2021 recipient of the National Medal for Museum and Library Service.

To learn more, visit highdesertmuseum.org and follow them on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.