Thank You Shaneen Robinson-Desjarlais

We’re saying a big thank you and heartfelt farewell to Shaneen Robinson-Desjarlais as she prepares to move to an exciting new position in another province. She'll continue her work with us until the new year. 
 
Shaneen joined our team as Indigenous Music Development Coordinator in 2018, developing meaningful programming and opportunities to support the work and careers of First Nation, Inuit, and Métis artists and music companies. She has been the outgoing and compassionate champion and advocate, meeting people where they are, welcoming them in, creating safer and more equitable spaces, guiding them to resources, cheering them on, and always staying connected. During her time with Manitoba Music, she founded numerous projects and programs that will continue to have a significant impact in the music communities in Manitoba and beyond. 
 
Some of the innovative projects she built and launched include Talking Stick video series, the all-day Nistumee Neepinee Keesikow Concert in celebration of National Indigenous Peoples Day, online programming that kept creative music communities connected throughout the pandemic (Iskwewak Nikamowak, Mothers of Music, Into the Muskeg, Festival of Fathers), live music mixing training for BIPOC women and gender diverse creatives, the Kiwetinook Kitoschikewin professional development residency in Northern Manitoba, and the Niso Aschaquet roundtable and open mic for Two-Spirit music makers. She helped to launch the inaugural The Vince Fontaine Legacy Award and partnered with Dauphin’s Countryfest, Festival du Voyageur, Manito Ahbee, Manitoba Arts Network, and WAG-Qaumajuq for specialized programming. She has participated in FACTOR’s Diversity & Inclusion Committee, BreakOut West’s Indigenous Advisory Committee, and the Canadian Folk Music Awards’ Board of Directors. 
 
Shaneen’s vision, enthusiasm, generosity, humility, empathy, and dedication to the communities she serves are an inspiration. She’s been the heart of so much of what we do and we are a better organization because of her. We’re grateful for her lessons, light, and laughter and wish her the very best in all she does.