The Indigenous Music Series begins February 6!

The Indigenous Music Series is a set of events designed to aid Indigenous artists, musicians, songwriters and other industry members in navigating and accelerating their careers in the music industry. It is set to take place in a hybrid format with both online and in-person sessions that will take place over the next few months. Participants of the series can join in weekly and discuss, learn, and practice new skills. It is meant to be taught by influential Indigenous artists, musicians, and industry members that continue to pave a way for Indigenous artists to practice and express their arts.

If this series is of interest to you please register here. Signing up for the series will provide you with direct updates, resources and information as program events are announced. New participants can sign up throughout the course of the program and join for as many events as they are able to.

Our first two events are introductions to the series as follows:

Session 1 – Introduction to the Program
Thursday, February 6, 7pm (1 hour)
via Zoom

With: Dale McArthur, Joseph Naytowhow, Cheryl L’Hirondelle, Lorena Kelly

In this session, we will introduce the Indigenous Music Series. Meet some of the people involved with SaskMusic and the Indigenous Music Series, including members of the Indigenous Advisory. Attendees will have the opportunity to introduce themselves and share their musical journey with others.

We will look at how SaskMusic can provide assistance to those in the music community. As well, we will talk about expectations and what to expect from this series.  

Session 2 – Finding Mentors, Grants, Opportunities, and More
Thursday, February 13, 7pm
via Zoom

With: Rhonda Head, Lorena Kelly, Ben Valiaho

In this session, the artist will have the opportunity to see how the SaskMusic website can be utilized as a valuable resource for musicians and explore resources available to musicians/industry in Saskatchewan.

We will explore the possibilities for recording, funding, showcasing, and mentorship opportunities found within the SaskMusic website. Finally, mentor Rhonda Head will share her story and speak about how they would aid an artist through Mentorship.

By the end of this session, the artist will see resources available and gain a better understanding of how to find mentors that are suitable for their variety of questions.

Rhonda Head
Multi award winning Mezzo Soprano - Rhonda Head is from Opaskwayak Cree Nation, Manitoba. Rhonda is a 13 time International music award winner. She writes her lyrics in her Indigenous Cree Language and composes her melodies based off the landscape in her home reserve of Opaskwayak. As a mentor Rhonda joins consults on issues such as touring, recording, distribution, marketing,networking, performance, grant writing, and showcasing.

Register here.

For more information on IMP, reach out to IMP Development Coordinator, Denny Blackstar at denny@saskmusic.org.

This program is made possible through the support of FACTOR (The Foundation Assisting Canadian Talent on Recordings), the Government of Canada, Canada's private radio broadcasters, and Creative Saskatchewan.

We thank the Saskatchewan Indigenous Music Association (SIMA) and members of SaskMusic's Indigenous Advisory for their guidance towards this program.