Indigenous Music

10/09/2026

After launching the first Zhoonguweh nuhgaamwin concert in June, we're partnering with to expand the event with a new performance on November 5, in the lead up to Manitoba Country Music Awards. The free public event will take place in the second floor lounge and feature Indigenous artists from Manitoba performing original material. Due to restrictions in the space artists/bands cannot use a drumset in this performance. Artists selected to participate will receive an honorarium.

INFO + APPLICATION
www.indigenousmusic.ca/performances

DEADLINE
Oct 22 at 4 PM

10/01/2026

Please join us for a free, virtual info session about Indigenous: IMPACT (Incubator Music Program Audio Content Touring), a funding and mentorship program from Manitoba Film and Music designed to assist new and emerging Manitoba-based Indigenous artists launch a broad range of music initiatives and develop their careers.

INDIGENOUS: IMPACT VIRTUAL INFO SESSION
Thursday, October 8
12 PM / Free Session
Register for the Zoom link at www.3common.com/impactinfo

The session will break down the application process, followed by a Q+A. Planning to apply for Level 1 or Level 2 of the Indigenous: IMPACT for the November 12 deadline? Be sure to pre-register for the Zoom link and bring your questions

09/28/2026

Submissions are now open for the Good Sounds, which returns for a second edition of the residency for Indigenous artists and musicians in Manitoba this fall!

Aimed at creating connection, nurturing growth, and sharing knowledge about the art and business of the music industry, this year’s event features one full day of programming on October 26, 2026 at Fort Whyte Alive Buffalo Crossing building in southwest Winnipeg. Participants will attend professional development workshops throughout the day and have the opportunity to share their music with mentors and peers from Manitoba and across Canada in an intimate, small group setting.

INFO + APPLICATION
www.indigenousmusic.ca/goodsoundsa

APPLY BY
Thursday, October 8 at 4 PM

09/26/2026

Check out Smoke Signal, our roundup of recent music media coverage amplifying Indigenous artists and music companies in Manitoba!

The latest edition features coverage of (pictured) and more

Read at www.indigenousmusic.ca/smokesignal

09/18/2026

We’re going to be in Brandon for the Manitoba Arts Network's Manitoba Showcase 2026 this weekend! Want to learn more about Indigenous Music or have a one-on-one career consult? Drop by Chez Angela this Saturday, September 19 between 1 - 3 PM and connect with program coordinator Cassidy Mann! No need to make an appointment. Email [email protected] for more info.

09/17/2026

Happy to partner again this year with the Manitoba Arts Network (MAN) for the Emerging Artists Program at Manitoba Showcase 2026. The three-day event runs September 17 - 19 in Brandon, offering three days of mentorship and pitches for different communities in Manitoba.

This year's Emerging Artists participants include singer/songwriter Ingrid Aubrey, indie pop artist Marjan, musician Taylor Gibson, and rapper/producer/pianist The Ranger System.
This Saturday, September 19, program coordinator Cassidy Mann will host drop-in office hours at Chez Angela Bakery + Cafe from 1 - 3 PM for members to connect one-on-ones. Email Cassidy for more info at [email protected]. She'll also participate in collective office hours during the conference from 9:30 - 11 AM at the Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium for conference registrants.

Read more at www.indigenousmusic.ca/news/read,article/9459/

09/02/2026

Last chance for applications to the Indigenous Music Office's 2026 Indigenous Music in Media Cohort at the Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF)! Find all the details and apply today (Sep 2) at https://indigenousmusicoffice.com/indigenous-music-in-media-cohort/

IS THIS FOR YOU?⁠
⁠
You don't need experience working in film or television to apply for the Indigenous Music in Media Cohort.⁠
⁠
If you're an Indigenous composer, songwriter, publisher, producer, artist or music professional interested in scoring, sync, publishing or other opportunities across music and screen, we want you to consider applying.⁠
Applicants must:⁠
• Be First Nation, Inuit or Métis⁠
• Be living and working in Canada⁠
• Be 18 years of age or older⁠
• Be available October 4–8, 2026⁠
• Have recent professional activity in music⁠
⁠
APPLICATIONS CLOSE TODAY⁠
⁠
Francophone applicants are warmly encouraged to apply. VIFF programming and cohort activities will take place primarily in English, so participants should be comfortable participating in English. ⁠
⁠
We're looking for Indigenous People from different communities, regions, disciplines and career stages. ⁠
⁠
Applications close TODAY⁠
Learn more + apply at: https://indigenousmusicoffice.com/indigenous-music-in-media-cohort/

07/03/2026

The Indigenous Music Steering Committee at Manitoba Music presented the third recipient of the Vince Fontaine Legacy Award. Anishinaabe folk soul artist and educator Ila Barker has earned the honour this year.

The Vince Fontaine Legacy Award recognizes an emerging Indigenous artist or industry professional currently working towards a career in the music industry and is intended to contribute to their professional development, sponsored by Manitoba Music and Manitoba Film & Music. The award honours the indelible legacy of Vince Fontaine, who passed away in 2022.

Through her work as the founding curator for the youth music workshop series AIRsessions and with the Good + Plenty Arts Collective, Ila is a strong advocate for gender equity and Indigenous representation in music. Ila’s dedication to sharing her knowledge with youth and uplifting her community perfectly demonstrates Vince’s professional traits, values, and commitment.

Thank you to Dr Moneca Sinclaire for welcoming us in a good way and sharing her teachings, and to David McLeod and Gabrielle Fontaine for presenting the award.

ABOUT ILA BARKER

With soaring vocals and lyrics that wash over the heart and mind, Anishinaabe folk soul artist Ila Barker takes listeners on an introspective journey. With the grit of Brandi Carlile, the poetic storytelling of Jewel, and the charm of Gabrielle Aplin, Ila braids an eclectic sound that feels familiar and yet like nothing you’ve heard before.

Through her work as founding curator with AIRsessions, a series of free music workshops for youth, Barker advocates for gender equity and Indigenous representation in music. “I have found a deeper connection with my community and the Indigenous music community through my music journey,” she says.

Working alongside local producers Lana Winterhalt and CEC, Ila is in the final stages of mixing her next record, an acoustic based, harmony-filled ep called "Honey”, set for release early

06/25/2026

We're excited for our Zhoonguweh nuhgaamwin free concert at The Forks this Sunday, June 28 featuring three stellar Indigenous artists from Manitoba, including Billy Joe Greenband!

Billy Joe Green is an Anishinabe musician vet that has survived the residential skool system meant to destroy language & cultural. Both are retained by shere resistance, resilience & courage; with much help from Ancient Ceremony from Anishinabe Elder Peter Ochiese & his Shkabegs ~ initiating recovery guidance at Pritchard House Recivery Center in the early 1990s. Followed up by strong support from recovery communities in Winnipeg & other cities I've lived in. As language keeper & frequent ceremonial participant Billy Joe continues his spiritual journey performing as often as he's called to do so. 3 x juno nominee, WCMA Winner & frequent winner at the APCMAs. Guitar strong & vocally confident.

ZHOONGUWEH NUHGAAMWIN
www.indigenousmusic.ca/zhoonguweh-nuhgaamwin
Featuring Ed Riley / The Good Sky Woman / Billy Joe GreenSunday, June 28 / 6 - 8:30 PM
Under the Canopy at The Forks
Free / All are welcome
Presented as part of Many Nations, One Heartbeat | ᐊᐧᐦᑯᐦᑐᐃᐧᐣ Wáhkóhtowin

06/24/2026

We’re excited for our Zhoonguweh nuhgaamwin free concert at The Forks this Sunday, June 28 featuring three stellar Indigenous artists from Manitoba, including The Good Sky Woman!

Chantal Kuegle, also known as The Good Sky Woman, is a Winnipeg-based artist who defies a single label. A powerhouse vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, actor, and master educator, she brings an intensity and authenticity to everything she touches.

Holding a Master of Music in Vocal Pedagogy with a concentration in Contemporary Commercial Music, Chantal’s artistry is as rigorously trained as it is deeply felt. Her performances — spanning pop, R&B, and musical theatre — are known for strong, emotionally charged deliveries that leave audiences genuinely moved.

Her presence extends well beyond the stage. Over the past three years, Chantal has carved out a growing footprint in the Winnipeg film industry, taking on roles as an actor in both film and theatre, and stepping behind the scenes as an assistant casting director on a feature film — a testament to her versatility and industry range.

As the founder and owner of Good Sky Studio, Chantal has built one of Winnipeg’s most exciting creative hubs for musicians and performers. Located in the heart of the city at 245 McDermot Ave, the studio offers vocal coaching, guitar, percussion, and songwriting instruction rooted in a simple but powerful philosophy: science-backed, artist-led, judgment-free. Whether working with first-time beginners or seasoned professionals, Chantal brings the same passion for excellence and joy in the craft to every student she teaches.

The Good Sky Woman isn’t just an artist — she’s building something.

ZHOONGUWEH NUHGAAMWIN
www.indigenousmusic.ca/zhoonguweh-nuhgaamwin
Featuring Ed Riley / The Good Sky Woman / Billy Joe GreenSunday, June 28 / 6 - 8:30 PM
Under the Canopy at The Forks
Free / All are welcome
Presented as part of Many Nations, One Heartbeat | ᐊᐧᐦᑯᐦᑐᐃᐧᐣ Wáhkóhtowin