Performers

Eagle Ex Machina is an alternative rock band founded by multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter Matt Cook-Contois to combine his love of rock music with his traditional fiddle upbringing. Based in Vancouver, Eagle Ex Machina’s sonic signature features a heavy approach, instrumental proficiency, and songwriting variety.

Created in 2020, Eagle Ex Machina was formed to capture the musical identity Matt developed throughout his career. The band’s soundscape pays homage to and draws on influences such as Foo Fighters and City and Colour, while incorporating a modern approach to Canadian fiddling.

Courtney Dawn Anaquod is a champion Métis jigger who lives in Saskatoon, SK. She is from the Muscowpetung Saulteaux Nation on Treaty 4 Territory, located in the Qu'Appelle Valley in southern Saskatchewan. She identifies as Anishinaabe-Cree Métis.

The Stars of the North Drum Group represents the Northwest Coast peoples of the Tlowitsis-Mumtigala Nation of Alert Bay, Turner Island, Tsakis in Port Hardy, Village Island on Vancouver Island, and the Stó:lō people of Seabird Island in Chilliwack, BC.

Stars of the North Drum Group was formed in August 2009 with the guidance of their Elders and the leadership of their matriarch and grandmother, all of whom shared their wisdom and knowledge, passing down stories to the drum group.

Lady Sinncere is an up-and-coming MC in the Vancouver Music Scene. Since childhood, she has performed locally, nationally, and internationally with her family as a cultural dance group, The Chinook SongCatchers. She performed on behalf of the Squamish Nation at the 2010 Winter Olympic Games Opening Ceremonies, with 3.5 viewers internationally. She is also a First Nations storyteller, facilitator, and cultural ambassador.

Matt Cook-Contois is a singer and multi-instrumentalist from Misipawistik Cree Nation in northern Manitoba. He began his music career as a traditional fiddle player, competing in contests across Western Canada, before transitioning to playing in indie bands and cover bands in Vancouver.

As a singer, fiddle player, and guitarist, Matt performs in a variety of projects, but his main focus is his alternative rock band, Eagle Ex Machina.

Pat Calihou is a Métis artist and one-man band known for his wild slide guitar and driving blues. He loves to play original music, heartfelt songs, and classics from the seventies.

The Calihou family is a Métis family whose ancestors were voyageurs and Métis leaders of their time. They honour them through the stories they tell and the songs they sing.

Urban Heiltsuk Dance Group are from a small community traditionally known as Waglisla, also known as Bella Bella. Their group was formed sometime in the 1990s. Most of their members now live in the Lower Mainland to further their education and/or to support their families.