Stir Cheat Sheet: 5 diverse Indigenous musicians to catch at Indigifest 2021
From folk to blues to country, artists from across B.C. bring their own style to the virtual celebration of Indigenous art and culture
Hasaatuk performs at Indigifest 2021.
Indigifest 2021 takes place online August 5, 12, 19, and 26 at 7 pm PDT.
AS A festival that celebrates Indigeneity, Indigifest also shines a light on diversity. The virtual event features 18 artists from all across present-day B.C., each unique in their exploration and expression of Indigenous art and culture.
Hosted by the First Peoples’ Cultural Council (FPCC), Indigifest 2021 takes place online every Thursday evening in August. The lineups range from country and blues to hip hop and folk.
Aside from the high level of local talent, what’s notable about the event is that it’s unfolding on a new digital platform developed by the FPCC. Not only does this online portal allow for a global reach, it also protects artists’ creative and intellectual property rights
For the full lineup, see Indigifest. Here’s a closer look at five participating acts.
Hasaatuk (pictured at top)
Hasaatuk, who comes from B.C.’s West Coast, traces her heritage to the nuučaan̓uł (Nuu-chah-nulth) territory on Western Vancouver Island, Woodland Cree near Fort McMurray, and Finnish ancestry.
Her nuučaan̓uł name, pronounced ha-SAW-tuque, means “loud vibrant voice”. Blending acoustic, blues, and alternative styles of expression, her music explores Indigenous, environmental, and social issues.
When she’s not making music, Hasaatuk advocates for the the protection and preservation of Indigenous culture, heritage, and lands.
Quanah Style
Quanah Style is a two-spirit trans recording artist and house-music diva who has travelled the festival circuit with vogue dance crew House of La Douche. The subject of several documentaries produced by CBC Arts, World of Wonder Productions, APTN, and Vice Magazine, she also made a film through Telus Storyhive about her journey to learning female powwow dancing called Dance With Me. She has opened for Peaches, Bif Naked, Buffy Sainte-Marie, Snotty Nose Rez kids, and more.
Saltwater Hank.
Saltwater Hank (Jeremy Pahl)
Prince Rupert-born Tsimshian artist Saltwater Hank is a member of the Gitga’at community. A storyteller and a violinist, he has a penchant for jigs and timeless folk songs.
MzSHELLz
MzSHELLz
Michelle Lee Runns, aka MzShellz, is an emerging Cree hip-hop artist hailing from Carry the Kettle Nakoda Nation in Treaty 4 territory near Regina. The mother of four, who has performed everywhere from Vancouver to Albuquerque, uses music to empower women, girls, and youth around the globe. She will be sharing more messages of strength and the importance of believing in yourself on her forthcoming album, Boss Lady. MzShellz, who is learning to speak Cree, is also the owner of Native by Nature Apparel.
Big Willie G (‘Namgis/Kwakwaka’wakw).
Big Willie G (‘Namgis/Kwakwaka’wakw)
Having grown up listening to legends like Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, BB King, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and Johnny Cash, Big Willie G (‘Namgis/Kwakwaka’wakw) was nine years old when his father bought him a black Fender Stratocaster. At age 10, he was the opening act for the Alert Bay music festival. The 21-year-old blues, rock, and country-folk musician from Campbell River shares inspirational stories through his songs. In 2019, he performed in at the Lowe’s Hollywood Hotel in Los Angeles.
For more information, see Indigifest.
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