Performers

Indigenous led Curtis Clear Sky & the Constellationz based out Vancouver BC Canada released their album Indigifunk in 2019 that consists of Hip-hop with Latin-Funk, Soul, Ska, Reggae & Blues. Kat Hendrix who played drums on the foundational Hip- hop sampled song “Apache” plays drums on the Indigifunk. The single Turtle Island released in 2019 features Juno Award winning Mohawk bluesman Murray Porter. In June 2006 at the World Urban Forum in Vancouver Curtis is recognized as a Messenger of Truth by the United Nations. Curtis’ music has taken him to Aotearoa-New Zealand. Curtis recently participated in the Indigenous Music ASKIY Export program networking with international opportunities in the US, UK and Germany. The new single Our Home will be released in the summer of 2022.

Blind music producer and recording artist Mattmac has harnessed his melodic pop-trap beats and inspiring story, quickly establishing himself as ‘one to watch’ on the national scene with his debut album, 20/20 — available now! At 500,000+ streams across platforms, Mattmac’s premiere release features poppy vocals combined with hard-hitting trap beats, and thoughtfully honest lyrics that give listeners a glimpse into the mind of a blind creative as he paints vivid sonic pictures of struggle, healing, celebrating love, family and life on the rez.

Á’a:líya is a proud member of the Stó:lō Nation and grew up in her community, the Skowkale First Nation. She has worked in and around Vancouver as an activist and hip-hop artist for 17 years.

Á’a:líya is a storyteller addressing both modern and traditional narratives from her unique perspective as an Indigenous woman through her music.

She’s passionate about art and what it can do to spread messages of empowerment and love to people of all backgrounds and ages.

As Marc Meriläinen, the Toronto-based singer/songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, producer and all-around visionary better known as Nadjiwan says, “Humans have always questioned and wondered about both our purpose and origins in the universe. There are numerous stories in Indigenous cultures of the ‘star people’ visiting us throughout history with the purpose of teaching us a greater understanding of not only the universe, but ourselves. In short, we ultimately come from the stars.”

Nadjiwan, of the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation, grew up hearing those stories of star people, instilling within him a lifelong fascination with science fiction that he’s frequently incorporated into his musical body of work that now numbers a dozen releases since 1994.

"Tiger" WIll Mason is a multi-instrumentalist, award-winning singer/songwriter, actor and Native rights warrior of Mohawk and Upper Cayugar descent. He has played music as a solo artist, as a bandleader, and accompanist in cover and original bands, from Toronto, to Vancouver. His CD "Long Walk 49" enjoyed airplay in the 2000s, and was nominated for five awards at the first NEMAs in Albuquerque, NM. In 1986 he was given the Anishinabe name "Kahntahwiwim'-tchi-get", which means "Maker of Beautiful Music. He's won several awards, including Canada's Aboriginals Got Talent in 2012. His music is a variety of genres, from folk to rock and blues, even bluegrass stylings. His stories and songs are legendary in some circles, having played across Turtle Island.

The Spindle Whorl Dancers have been together since 1974. Presentations of both our Stó:lō and Prairie Style of dancing and singing have been shared at venues around the World. Today there are three generations of the family represented with the eldest at 69 and the youngest is 2 years old. Over the years they have participated at Expo ’86, The Calgary Stampede, they’ve represented Canada at the International Folk Festival in Switzerland, were featured at the 2010 Olympics, The Annual Chilliwack Fair, and many more community events.

We Are Stars Of The North Drum Group of The Tlowitsis Nation located in Alert Bay, Vancouver Island. We started our drum group in August 2009 by writing our own music based on stories shared to us from our Elders. Songs are written in English implementing our Native Kwakwala language with the assistance in translation from my Grandmother Wata. Having been children raised without our cultural teaching, language, and not raised with our people, we began our learning journey through music of our own written songs using our handmade hand drums, and rattles. We perform in our own hand made, stitched, and designed Button Blankets and Aprons. The Button Blankets Represent where we are from. Our Native people celebrate, in the Big House with potlatch, and ceremonies in which our button blankets are designed to represent Our Big House.

V'ni Dansi is a Vancouver-based traditional Métis and contemporary dance company dedicated to sharing the dances, stories and culture of the Métis. Led by Artistic Director, Yvonne Chartrand, V'ni Dansi holds the distinction of being the only company in Canada dedicated to both Métis and contemporary dance. Meaning "come and dance" in Michif, V'ni Dansi is thrilled to share the Métis people's joyful culture with audiences of all nations. V'ni Dansi's Louis Riel Métis Dancers specialise in and are dedicated to preserving traditional Métis dances.