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. Participants of the series will meet weekly for 1-2 hours 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.
Below is the series schedule that will be expanded on as sessions are announced. It highlights the topics we will be discussing throughout. (Please note that session scheduling is subject to change.)
If you feel that you or someone you know would benefit from the program, please register for this FREE series through: https://saskmusic.wufoo.com/forms/q1hxiaie1ra3t32/
Signing up will provide you with updates, resources and information as program events are announced. New participants will be accepted throughout the course of the program.
For more information on IMP, reach out to IMP Development Coordinator, Denny Blackstar at denny@saskmusic.org.
All times noted are Sask time.
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, one of mentors, 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 the resources on the SaskMusic website and gain a better understanding of how to find mentors that are suitable for their variety of questions.
Forty-eight-time international award-winning Mezzo-Soprano vocalist, Rhonda Head is from the Opaskwayak Cree Nation in northern Manitoba. Rhonda released her fifth album on August 2024, Aski. Rhonda’s album is about nature, choosing what is right and admiring beautiful people.
| Session 3 – Writing More Than “Music” |
| Session 4 – Recording, Where and How to Start |
| Session 5 – Getting the Most Out of Your Music Releases |
| Session 6 – Website and Social Media Presence |
| Session 7 – Monetizing in the Music Industry |
| Session 8 – Mid-Program Meet Up and Jam Session |
| Session 9 – Booking Shows, Tours, and More |
| Session 10 – Grant Opportunities |
| Session 11 – Festivals and Showcasing |
| Session 12 – Managing Merchandise |
| Session 13 – Appreciation for Cultural Differences |
| Session 14 – Navigating Struggles for Indigenous Artists |
| Session 15 – Reflection and Feedback |
PAST SESSIONS
Recordings for many of these sessions will be made available to those who could not attend.
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. 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.
This program is made possible through the support of FACTOR (The Foundation Assisting Canadian Talent on Recordings), the Government of Canada, and 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.
