14 - Attend an Indigenous Music Festival
This series of blog posts is inspired by the list 21 Things You Can Do to Change the World created by Bob Joseph in his book 21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act. Focusing on actionable steps, these blog posts will take each step and provide links, contacts, and suggestion lists.
Scroll through all of our 21 Things posts to date.
The next action we are highlighting is Attend an Indigenous Music Festival
One of the most enduring aspects of Indigenous cultures across the world is that of music. Whether in storytelling, ceremony, healing or celebration, music remains a steadfast example of the power of the human spirit to communicate. Many Indigenous communities in Canada were forced to repress their music under colonialism and of course during the incomprehensible period of residential schools, children were forced to abandon their languages, songs, and stories.
There are many opportunities to support Indigenous music festivals by attending, but also through donating or volunteering. Below is a list to get you started.
Local: Canned Salmon Music Fest – last year’s livestream is free to watch here.
Local: Koksilah Music Festival — Watch some of the 2021 festival here. In 2021 the festival included a panel discussion by Indigenous youth on mental health.
Local: Talking Stick Festival — Now in its 21st year, began as a way to showcase and celebrate Indigenous art and performance to a wider audience. From its humble beginnings, this unique and exciting event has grown into a full 2 week Festival in June, at locations across Vancouver. Check it out here.
Victoria: IYAKT Indigenous Music Festival — June 25th at Braefoot Park. Join this celebration of Indigenous performers from across the lower Island. Performers will include Paint the Town Red, Auntie Katie & the Uncles of Funk, Lost Talkers and more. Food trucks and vendors on site, bring a lawn chair or blanket.
Okanagan: Okanagan Indigenous Music & Arts Society — was born from the desire to produce an all-Indigenous music and arts festival that showcases the beauty and diversity of Indigenous culture. In an era of Reconciliation we were overcome with a sense of purpose to add celebration to the vernacular surrounding Indigenous Heritage. Watch this space for future events.
Winnipeg/Online: sākihiwē Festival — The sākihiwē festival (formerly Aboriginal Music Week) is set for June 24-26, 2022 in Winnipeg, Manitoba. They also have a “radio” feature on their website where you can listen to Indigenous artists or check out their YouTube channel.
Ottawa: Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival —This year Summer Solstice Festival takes place June 21- 26th at MĀDAHÒKÌ FARM, a spectacular new tourism experience and gathering place in Ottawa’s Greenbelt.
These blog posts are designed to be a starting point to help people toward the path of reconciliation and allyship. We encourage everyone to do their own reading and research. Want to learn more? Check out the Indigenous Relations Academy, which has books, training, and resources. You can also purchase 21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act here.