Indigenous Music
Zhoonguweh nuhgaamwin | Indigenous Music Partners with Many Nations, One Heartbeat | ᐊᐧᐦᑯᐦᑐᐃᐧᐣ Wáhkóhtowin at The Forks for Free Concert Under the Canopy
Evening Event Spotlights Three Indigenous Artists from Manitoba in Honour of National Indigenous History Month
The Indigenous Music Development Program (IMDP) at Manitoba Music is partnering with The Forks and Kíwétinohk Consulting for Zhoonguweh nuhgaamwin, a concert in honour of National Indigenous History Month. The free public event will take place on June 28 at The Forks’ Under the Canopy stage and feature three stellar Indigenous artists from Manitoba.
Taking the stage for the special live performance sets are two-time JUNO-nominated Anishinaabe blues legend Billy Joe Green; powerhouse vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, actor, and master educator Chantal Kuegle, also known as The Good Sky Woman; and emerging alternative R&B artist Ed Riley.
The title of the event “Zhoonguweh nuhgaamwin” was gifted by Knowledge Keeper Colin Mousseau and means “The powerful song”.
“We are so excited to honour National Indigenous History Month with live music by these three incredible Indigenous artists,” says Cassidy Mann, the Indigenous Music Development Coordinator at Manitoba Music. “Thank you to the dedicated teams at Kíwétinohk Consulting and The Forks for partnering with us to bring this free celebration of Indigenous excellence to music fans and families.”
Zhoonguweh nuhgaamwin is part of Many Nations, One Heartbeat | ᐊᐧᐦᑯᐦᑐᐃᐧᐣ Wáhkóhtowin, an eleven-day cultural celebration grounded in relationship with the land, one another, and the living cultures that shape this place. Guided and stewarded by Kíwétinohk Consulting under the creative direction of Tess Ray Houston, this year’s program explores reciprocity, connection, and belonging across cultures and communities. Rooted in Indigenous knowledge systems, treaty relationships, and nation-to-nation understandings, the arts are its heartbeat, inviting people to listen, move, create, and connect through shared expression.
Made possible by the support of FACTOR, the Government of Canada and Canada’s private radio broadcasters, and Manitoba Film & Music, this concert is the latest in a long tradition of free live music events celebrating Indigenous artists presented by IMDP. Recent events include Nagamooag neezochackak in 2024 at WAG-Qaumajuq and 2025 at Frenchie’s Records & Coffee, Nistumee Neepinee Keesikow (First Day of Summer) Concert at The Cube in 2022.
The IMDP was launched in 2004 to support First Nation, Métis, Inuit, and artists and music companies develop sustainable careers in the music industry. The program delivers projects and services that respond to the needs of the industry as identified by a steering committee. The IMDP is supported by the Manitoba Government and Manitoba Film & Music.
Billy Joe Green
Performing at 8:00 - 8:30 PM
Billy Joe Green is an Anishinabe musician vet that has survived the residential skool system meant to destroy language & cultural. Both are retained by shere resistance, resilience & courage; with much help from Ancient Ceremony from Anishinabe Elder Peter Ochiese & his Shkabegs ~ initiating recovery guidance at Pritchard House Recivery Center in the early 1990s. Followed up by strong support from recovery communities in Winnipeg & other cities I've lived in. As language keeper & frequent ceremonial participant Billy Joe continues his spiritual journey performing as often as he's called to do so. 3 x juno nominee, WCMA Winner & frequent winner at the APCMAs. Guitar strong & vocally confident.
The Good Sky Woman
Performing at 7:05 - 7:35 PM
Chantal Kuegle, also known as The Good Sky Woman, is a Winnipeg-based artist who defies a single label. A powerhouse vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, actor, and master educator, she brings an intensity and authenticity to everything she touches.
Holding a Master of Music in Vocal Pedagogy with a concentration in Contemporary Commercial Music, Chantal's artistry is as rigorously trained as it is deeply felt. Her performances — spanning pop, R&B, and musical theatre — are known for strong, emotionally charged deliveries that leave audiences genuinely moved.
Her presence extends well beyond the stage. Over the past three years, Chantal has carved out a growing footprint in the Winnipeg film industry, taking on roles as an actor in both film and theatre, and stepping behind the scenes as an assistant casting director on a feature film — a testament to her versatility and industry range.
As the founder and owner of Good Sky Studio, Chantal has built one of Winnipeg's most exciting creative hubs for musicians and performers. Located in the heart of the city at 245 McDermot Ave, the studio offers vocal coaching, guitar, percussion, and songwriting instruction rooted in a simple but powerful philosophy: science-backed, artist-led, judgment-free. Whether working with first-time beginners or seasoned professionals, Chantal brings the same passion for excellence and joy in the craft to every student she teaches.
The Good Sky Woman isn't just an artist — she's building something.
Follow her at @thegoodskywoman and @goodsky.studio
Ed Riley
Performing at 6:10 - 6:40 PM
Ed Riley is a genre-defying artist whose distinct vocal tone and heartfelt storytelling place him at the forefront of a new wave of alternative R&B. Born in Winnipeg, Manitoba and now based in Toronto, Ed has been crafting his sound since the age of seven, when he first picked up a guitar. Over time, he’s grown into a multi-instrumentalist with a sound that blends raw emotion, atmospheric production, and indie sensibilities, echoing influences like Steve Lacy, Daniel Caesar, and Omar Apollo—yet standing wholly apart.
With roots in both Indigenous and Black culture, Ed brings a rare and necessary perspective to his music, often exploring themes of love, trauma, and vulnerability. Whether it's a hazy groove about heartbreak or a dreamy track about longing, his goal remains the same: to make listeners feel at home. As he continues to carve out his own lane in R&B, Ed Riley is focused on telling stories the world hasn’t yet heard—his own.