NATIVE AMERICA NORTH: Canadian Aboriginal Artists to Perform at Mundial Montreal

Three of Canada’s top Aboriginal recording artists are headed to Quebec to showcase for industry at world music conference and festival, Mundial Montreal. The showcases are part of the Native America North project, which also includes networking and professional development opportunities during the event, running November 19-22. The project is made possible by a partnership between Manitoba Music, through its Aboriginal Music Program, and the Canada Council for the Arts.

Performers include internationally-acclaimed Manitoba-based throat singer and composer Tanya Tagaq; Yellowknife's JUNO Award-winning singer/songwriter Leela Gilday; and groundbreaking Montreal-based Francophone rapper Samian. The three artists come from diverse backgrounds and play diverse styles of music, yet all remain highly attuned to their heritage and communities, showing that Aboriginal artists have moved beyond the confines of niche markets.

"We're thrilled to be working with the Canada Council for the Arts on a project that helps First Nation, Inuit, and Métis artists access new markets. These three artists are innovators in their genres and have built significant buzz in Aboriginal music circles and far beyond. Mundial Montreal provides a great opportunity for these talented performers to connect with presenters from around the world," says Sara Stasiuk, Manitoba Music’s executive director. 

The showcase is part of the Aboriginal Music Program's market development initiatives, which promote Manitoba's wealth of Aboriginal talent on the national stage. Launched in 2004, the Aboriginal Music Program exists to help First Nation, Métis, and Inuit people develop sustainable careers in Manitoba’s music industry. The program delivers projects and services that respond to the needs of the industry is a driving force behind a vibrant Aboriginal music community in Manitoba. The Aboriginal Music Program is made possible by the generous support of the Government of Canada, the Province of Manitoba, FACTOR, and Manitoba Film & Music.