12 Indigenous Artists Canadians Should Be Listening To
Indigenous artists in Canada are making fantastic music in pop, rock, country, blues, roots, hip-hop, dance, traditional music, and more. Audiences that have discovered Indigenous artists in these genres already know that they deserve to be heard as often and as loud as non-Indigenous artists, and we agree.
As we recognize and celebrate Indigenous Month (June 2021), we want to shine a spotlight on 12 Indigenous artists we think Canadians should be listening to. Some you may know, some you may not. All of them are on our radar, and we’re happy to put them on yours.
We also need to take a moment to remember that the roads these artists and all Indigenous peoples in Canada have had to travel have been more complicated and difficult than many of the rest of us. For generations and more than a century, Canada’s history with the Indigenous peoples is no less than horrific in too many ways and it is past time for small talk and time for big actions. We stand with all Indigenous peoples in Canada as they share their voices and stories and ask for accountability and action.
Today, we’ll start with some music. Check out this list of 12 artists, the link we’ve dropped for each of them – and hit play on the video included for a taste of what they have to offer.
Honourable Mentions: Crown Lands, Robbie Robertson, Susan Aglukark, Willie Dunn, Celeigh Cardinal, Shane Yellowbird, John Angaiak, Willie Thrasher, Status/Non-Status, Mishi Donovan, Curtis Shingoose, Jerry Sereda, Alexis Lynn.
Amanda Rheaume
Read: Clayton Bellamy, Amanda Rheaume & Petric – ole Songwriter’s Circle at Indie Week 2018
Buffy Sainte-Marie
Don Amero
Watch: 5 Quick Questions with Don Amero (Holiday Edition)
iskwē
Jeremy Dutcher
Julian Taylor
Read: CMW 2017: UTA / Julian Taylor Band with One Bad Son, Birds of Bellwoods and Friends
Logan Staats
Read: The Lucky Ones: The Launch’s Logan Staats Interview, Review, and 5 Quick Questions
Shawnee Kish
Read: Got It Bad, Shawnee Kish Releases New Single & Video!
Tanya Tagaq
Read: Ajaaja: Tanya Tagaq at WayHome 2017
Lee Harvey Osmond
Twin Flames
Read: Giants, The Twin Flames Interview & 5 Quick Questions!
Snotty Nose Rez Kids
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