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
