2025 Indigenous Songwriters Retreat – DEADLINE EXTENDED until JULY 28, 2025
Taking place in Saskatoon and Wanuskewin, August 15-17, 2025
Presented by SaskMusic, with support from Creative Saskatchewan and guidance from SaskMusic’s Indigenous Advisory.
SaskMusic is delighted to announce the return of the Indigenous Songwriters Retreat for 2025!
Over the course of a weekend—set in the sacred site and gathering place of Wanuskewin—20-25 Indigenous songwriters will develop stronger songwriting skills, gain co-writing experience, learn music industry tips, build a network of peers to potentially collaborate with in the future, and gain valuable inspiration to apply to your musical career and artistic work.
Further, throughout the weekend, three established national-recognized Indigenous mentors and/or music professionals will provide songwriting guidance and info on various music industry topics, and each songwriter will have one-on-one time with the mentors!
Additional local music industry representatives will come to provide information on additional topics - such as live performance, marketing, and more.
SaskMusic will cover all costs of the participants, including gas allowances for those travelling to get to Saskatoon, accommodations, and meals.
Submission process:
Through this submission process, 20-25 Indigenous songwriters will be selected to participate in this all-expenses-paid creative retreat. If there are more than 25 eligible applicants, an independent jury will select the participants.
All genders and musical genres are invited to apply.
Schedule:
A detailed schedule will be provided to all selected participants as planning continues.
(Tentative Schedule - Subject to change)
- Friday, August 15, evening: plan to arrive in Saskatoon between 3-7 p.m. to check into your hotel and have supper; 7-10 p.m. meet and greet, opening remarks/workshop.
- Saturday, August 16, morning: breakfast in Saskatoon; head to Wanuskewin. 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. for a day of writing and learning. 6-10 p.m. return to Saskatoon for supper, a workshop and sharing of songs at hotel.
- Sunday August 17, morning: to Wanuskewin 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. for breakfast, writing and learning. 4 p.m. for departures. (A Sunday night hotel will be provided to those needing to travel more than four hours to return home.)
Note: Wanuskewin is on the north edge of Saskatoon. Transportation to and from your Saskatoon hotel can be arranged.
Criteria to apply:
- You have been developing your skills as a songwriter and are interested in learning new writing skills as well as working on co-writing.
- You are interested in expanding your knowledge on the music industry.
- You are age 19+
- You are committed to attending the whole schedule for the weekend
- You do not have to be a performing artist, but you do need to be interested in developing the songwriting/storyteller aspect of your music.
Please note: this event will be fully drug and alcohol-free and all participants and mentors will be expected to honour this.
Participation costs for 25 selected participants will be covered. A deposit of $100 will be required to hold your spot if you are selected. This deposit will be refunded to you following your attendance at the event. It is being requested to ensure that all participants are committed to attending, and so that we are able to plan our mentors' time appropriately.
Apply here before 5 p.m. on July 28, 2025!