Indigenous Peoples Day 2024
In celebration of National Indigenous Peoples Day, we’re excited to shine a spotlight on the amazing Indigenous artists and artisans who will be joining us at the upcoming 2024 Festival. We’re truly honoured to have the guidance and support of Grandmother Chickadee Richard (Benais Quimiwin Ikwe) Thunder Rain Woman, and the Indigenous Advisory Circle. Their wisdom helps steer our ongoing Indigenous education efforts.
We’re committed to supporting and showcasing Indigenous talent all year round but especially during the Festival. It’s a privilege to host our Festival at Birds Hill Provincial Park, situated on Treaty 1 territory and the homeland of the Red River Métis.
We look forward to celebrating together in this beautiful space.
Grandmother Chickadee Richard (Benais Quimiwin Ikwe) Thunder Rain Woman
Grandmother Chickadee Richard is a member of the Sandy Bay First Nation and was raised near the west side of Lake Manitoba.
Grandmother Chickadee is a mother of three biological children, two adopted sons, and grandmother of seven children. She is also a grandmother to many in the Indigenous communities across Turtle Island.
She is a proud Anishinaabe kwe who has dedicated her life to the betterment of the land, water, and Indigenous communities. For many years, she has been an advocate and educator for change and justice in Manitoba and across Canada, creating awareness of the strength and beauty of Indigenous culture and perspectives.
Grandmother Chickadee has collaborated with many exceptional grassroots leaders of Indigenous communities to help create safer places for Indigenous Peoples.
Grandmother Chickadee works with people who are open and willing to change the current ways that harm the land, lakes, and Indigenous Peoples’ ways of life.

Join us for the Opening Blessing on Main Stage before the music begins on July 11 at 5:45 PM, led by Grandmother Chickadee Richard.
Indigenous Welcoming Ceremony
The Indigenous Welcoming Ceremony acknowledges and welcomes Indigenous artists to the Festival led by Grandmother Chickadee Richard. It will take place at Shady Grove on July 13 at 10:30 AM. We’d love to see you there. Everyone is welcome!
Also on Saturday, a teepee will be raised near Shady Grove by the youth from Spirit Horse. Feel free to come and visit, but note that the teepee area is an alcohol-free zone.
PERFORMERS
- Caley Watts, a Cree singer-songwriter from Bella Coola, British Columbia, crafts folk and roots music shaped by her Nuxalk Territory surroundings. She is a renowned artist known for her unique and evocative work. Caley explores profound themes, blending traditional and contemporary elements, captivating audiences and critics alike. Her forthcoming album, River’s Daughter, is the result of a three-year mentorship with artists William Prince and Serena Ryder. She belongs to the Saddle Lake Cree and Nuxalk Nations.
- Elisapie, an Inuk singer-songwriter from Salluit, Nunavik, has gained international recognition with her Inuktitut music. She won a Juno Award with Taima in 2005, and her 2018 album, The Ballad of the Runaway Girl, earned a Polaris Music Prize shortlisting and another Juno nomination. Her 2023 album, Inuktitut, features ten classic rock and pop songs from the 60s to the 90s translated into Inuktitut. This album landed her on the 2024 Polaris Prize long list and earned her a 2024 Juno Award for Contemporary Indigenous Artist or Group of the Year.
- The Medicine Singers harmoniously fuse experimental music with traditional Native American powwow styles, venturing into genres ranging from psychedelic punk to spiritual jazz. Their immersive live performances are renowned for their energy, authenticity, and emotional depth, engaging the audience in a trance-like experience. Medicine Singers blur the lines between band and spectator, psychedelic rock, and traditional powwow, creating immersive experiences that transport audiences. Their debut LP on Stone Tapes explores the influence of Native American music on rock music.
- Shane Ghostkeeper is known for his songwriting and guitar skills. Growing up in Northern Alberta, he spent his childhood appreciating the storytellers of country music. Ghostkeeper later ventured into art rock and experimental folk, finding a unique storytelling language. After years of learning and experimenting, he has returned to his roots with a country music-inspired record, paying homage to his family and their tales. His work has received praise for its originality, musicality, and the depth of his storytelling. Ghostkeeper has carved out a respected place in the music industry, recognized for both his artistic contributions and cultural impact.
- Raised among educators, activists, and artists, Tia Wood’s early career with Northern Cree led to her popularity on TikTok during the pandemic. Her sound and style resonate with her millions of followers. Her song, “Dirt Roads”, blends timeless sounds with modern realities, offering a fresh perspective for Indigenous youth and romantics.
- ScreWalking Wolf Singers & Dancers was established over 20 years ago with the goal of not only performing but also educating people about Indigenous song and dance. The group promotes pride in the Indigenous community and its traditions. Over the years, they have released seven albums, most recently Walking Wolf Singers (Giving Thanks). enshot
- Plains Cree artist Wyatt C. Louis is known for his storytelling through his songs. He shares personal anecdotes and the stories behind his songs, providing context and deeper meaning to his music. With a soulful and emotive voice, his raw and heartfelt delivery of lyrics engages the audience, making each song feel deeply personal and moving. Wyatt has launched his debut album, Chandler, a blend of country, indie, and roots music influenced by classic rock ‘n’ roll and softer voices. Recorded at Alta Sound in Calgary, the album explores life, love, and gender norms, using Louis’ surroundings as a muse.
- Daniel Monkman’s project, Zoon, is deeply personal and often delves into themes of identity, trauma, and healing. This emotional depth translates powerfully in live performances, allowing the audience to connect on a profound level. In the sophomore album, Bekka Ma’iingan, the Ojibway title translates to “slow down” and “wolf,” reflecting the album’s creation pace and Monkman’s clan. The album addresses the fear of Indigenous languages disappearing and openly discusses Monkman’s “two-spirit” identity.
ARTIST NEWS
- Elisapie Honoured with Canada Post Stamp The Indigenous Leaders series highlights the contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis leaders who dedicated their lives to preserving their culture and improving the quality of life of Indigenous Peoples.
- Tia Wood Releases Debut Single “Dirt Roads” Tia Wood has been teasing her followers with clips from her new music video for her debut track “Dirt Roads” with Sony Music. The video was recently filmed in her hometown of Saddle Lake.
WORKSHOP
THREE CHORDS AND THE TRUTH
SUNDAY, JULY 14 AT 11:30 AM ON SHADY GROVE STAGE
Featuring Caley Watts, Elisapie, Shane Ghostkeeper, and Wyatt C. Louis
Inspired by the Harlan Howard expression, Three Chords and The Truth explores how a few chords and heartfelt lyrics can carry profound messages. This workshop features five incredible Indigenous artists who bring their unique cultural backgrounds and storytelling traditions to their music, making it a must-hear event.
HAND-MADE VILLAGE ARTISANS
The Hand-Made Village celebrates the long-standing history that arts and crafts share with folk music festivals. Make sure you make your way there for some beautifully hand-crafted pieces from the Indigenous artists listed below.
- Anishinaabe Girl Designs by Shauna Fontaine – Booth #2 Urban boujee chic. Indigenous handcrafted jewelry, accessories and art.
- bead n butter by Jessie Pruden – Booth #11 Colourful high-quality glass beads create fun, stand-out pieces that mix contemporary and traditional designs to add some sparkle and shine to any outfit.
- Charlie’s Charmed by Eddie Mendoza & Ryan Mendoza* – Booth #19 A modern twist on traditional wearables. Made of natural materials, each one is as unique as the grain from the wood used.
- Everpressed Jewellery by Shawna Bannerman – Booth #45 The cutest floral jewelry you’ve ever seen, handmade with real pressed flowers.
- Fibre and Farm by Anna Hunter* & Christel Lanthier – Booth #44 Wool goods for your outdoor life. Local, regenerative, traceable.
- Kozmic Art by Shaylene Picard – Booth #35 Intuitive visions and dreamy surreal art made with care!
- Pinotinoway by Martha Troian – Booth #14 Minimalist, contemporary jewelry made from harvested birch bark, leather, and fur products, along with lino print cards, and more.
PRAIRIE OUTDOOR EXHIBITION
Art at Folk Fest comes in all shapes and forms. The Prairie Outdoor Exhibition is a unique and interactive outdoor art gallery on the Winnipeg Folk Fest site.
- Askîy kiskeyitamowin (land knowledge) By KC Adams A land-based installation of ceramic turtle shells encourages participants to foster a meaningful relationship with the land. The humble turtle lives on both water and land and is considered by my Anishinaabe relatives to be a teacher of truth.
- Woodland Bison & Friends By Amber Green & Jasmine Rusu* These sculptures represent the enchanting animals that call the fields and forests surrounding Folk Fest home. When festivalgoers wander through the grounds, they can keep their eyes peeled for these playful creatures.
*Non-Indigenous partner.
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