Alternative-indie musician Aysanabee reached a pinnacle in his career with two Juno wins last month. Aysanabee won the coveted Songwriter of the Year award as well as the Alternative Album of the Year prize for Here and Now. This makes him the first Indigenous artist to win in either of these categories.
Tim Whiskeychan knows that life has many layers. Born in Chibougamau in 1968, and adopted as an infant by Harry and Laura Whiskeychan. He grew up in Waskaganish, where time with his father in nature ignited his early passion for art.
After launching an outdoor cinema on the water, an astronomical observatory and unique cultural tourism packages last summer, Nibiischii Corporation was named as a top-three “business that launched a new experience” at this year’s Indigenous Tourism Awards.
Paul Napash, a.k.a. PaulStar, is a multi-talented Cree artist from Chisasibi. With almost three decades in the music industry, PaulStar is not only a musician, performer and producer, but has become a mentor to aspiring talents.
Aysanabee is more than a name – it signifies a journey of self-discovery and the reclaiming of heritage for the Oji-Cree singer-songwriter. What began as conversations between a grandfather and grandson during the Covid pandemic transformed into an acclaimed debut album and the meteoric rise of a talented musician.
Meet Mary Monger, the Eeyou Istchee artist and designer behind the Indigo Fox company. Currently living in Montreal, Monger’s artistic journey started in childhood, crafting and creating with her Nuhkum. These early memories of learning to knit, quilt and bead stay close to Monger. Rooted in nature, her creations evoke calm and reflect a commitment to quality and durability.
Mistissini was rocking as the inaugural Big Rock Music Festival brought to town some of the biggest names in Cree and Innu music. The event featured over 50 performances at the Mistissini Sports Complex January 18-20.
Art is thriving in Eeyou Istchee thanks to talented individuals like Paula Menarick (Fast Cloud Inspirations) and Deborah Ratt (Cree-Ations Jewels), both of whom participated in the CNACA event in Montreal.
It was a historicc moment in Canadian opera when Li Keur: Riel’s Heart of the North was premiered in front of a sold-out audience at Winnepeg’s Centennial Concert Hall in November. Sung in five languages, this Indigenous-led opera celebrates Métis women, culture and famed leader Louis Riel.
Diane Coon Come of Mistissini was crowned princess of Eeyou Istchee November 18 as the winner of the 2023 Miss Eeyou Eenou Iskwaau pageant.
