BIMIWIZH
To carry, to take along
Bimiwizh is IIMS on the move. In addition to our annual International Indigenous Music Summit, we continue to bring the spirit of gathering and connection directly into communities across northern Turtle Island.
Through collaborations with regional partners, Bimiwizh spotlights incredible local Indigenous talent and creates opportunities for artists, organizers, and community members to share music, stories, challenges, and dreams for the future.
It’s about carrying the Summit with us — building relationships, exchanging knowledge, and strengthening the networks that sustain Indigenous music across territories and generations.
IIMS Presents: Bimiwizh at Folk Alliance International
Thursday, January 22, 2026 from 1:00-4:00pm CST
Grand Chenier, Sheraton New Orleans Hotel
The International Indigenous Music Summit (IIMS) is thrilled to invite all Indigenous friends and relatives to this special Bimiwizh Gathering within Folk Alliance 2026, where we will gather to connect, and discuss the things that are most important to us in the Indigenous music community, where we are now, and a vision for where we want to go together in the future. Lunch will be provided.
IIMS Showcase at Folk Alliance International
An evening of Indigenous music featuring Agalisiga Mackey, Charlie Needs Braces, Aysanabee, Sandrine Masse, Thea Hopkins, and Blue Moon Marquee.
Panel: Songs That Carry Us - Indigenous Perspective on Folk Tradition
Saturday, Jan 24, 1-2pm
Rhythms I, Floor 2
Moderator Nimkish (BC) with panelists Crystal Shawanda, Charlie Needs Braces, Aysanabee, and Thea Hopkins.
This panel brings together Indigenous artists and songwriters to reflect on how songs live across generations, how oral traditions carry cultural memory, and how these practices connect to land, language, and community. How do our traditions influence the music we write today in a modern world? We will be discussing Indigenous song traditions and the similarities with the original meaning of “folk” music and how honoring these living practices offers a deeper understanding of music, identity, and continuity.
IIMS Presents: Bimiwizh at Blue Feather Music Festival 2025
Sunday, November 9, 7 PM MST
McClimon Crescent, Whitehorse Yukon Territory (Traditional Territory of the Kwanlin Dün First Nation)
The International Indigenous Music Summit (IIMS) warmly invites all Indigenous friends and relatives to join us for a special Bimiwizh Gathering as part of Blue Feather Music Festival 2025. Come together around the fire to celebrate our shared experiences, to dream together, connect with one another, and reflect on the moments that made Blue Feather so memorable.
IIMS Presents: Bimiwizh at Folk Music Ontario 2025
October 16, 2025 · 11:30 am–1:30 pm ET
The Tulip Room, Delta Hotels Ottawa City Centre
101 Lyon St N, Ottawa ON K1R 5T9
Join IIMS and Folk Canada for a community gathering during Folk Music Ontario 2025. Together we’ll share food, music, and conversation celebrating Indigenous voices across the folk and roots sector.
IIMS Showcase at Folk Music Ontario 2025
October 16, 2025 · 10:40 pm–1:30 am ET
Chaudière Room, Delta Hotels Ottawa City Centre
101 Lyon St N, Ottawa ON K1R 5T9
Experience a powerful evening of Indigenous music featuring Mimi O’Bonsawin, Larissa Desrosiers, Aasiva, Don Amero, Crystal Shawanda, Brianna Lizotte, and more.
Panel: Beyond the Box — Indigenous Music Without Limitations
October 18, 2025 · 1:00 pm–3:00 pm ET
Capitale Room, Delta Hotels Ottawa City Centre
101 Lyon St N, Ottawa ON K1R 5T9
Moderator Nimkish (BC) with panelists Crystal Shawanda, Larissa Desrosiers, Digawolf, Aasiva.
This conversation explores how Indigenous artistry transcends genre and challenges industry definitions, imagining a future where Indigenous music is recognized across every sound and stage.
IIMS Presents: Bimiwizh at BreakOut West 2025
September 25, 2025 · 12:00 pm–2:00 pm CDT
Indigenous Gathering Place, Fairmont Winnipeg
2 Lombard Place, Winnipeg MB R3B 0Y3
IIMS is proud to partner with BreakOut West 2025 to host a special Indigenous Community Gathering in the heart of Treaty 1 Territory. Join us at the Indigenous Gathering Place to connect, share stories, and celebrate local artists, organizers, and community members shaping the future of Indigenous music.
IIMS Presents: Bimiwizh with 2 Rivers Remix Festival
July 8-10, 2022
St’uxwtews/Cache Creek, BC
We’re thrilled to invite our family in the Indigenous music community to join us on Saturday and Sunday mornings at 10:00am local time where we will gather to feast, connect, and discuss what is most important to you and kick off the amazing 2 Rivers Remix weekend programming and showcases!
IIMS Presents: Bimiwizh with Prismatic Arts Festival
September 26, 2022
Gathering & Feast: Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre, 2021 Brunswick St. Halifax, NS; Showcase: Neptune Theatre, 1593 Argyle St. Halifax, NS
IIMS is very excited to work with Prismatic Arts Festival to bring the Summit to Kjipuktuk/Halifax as the opening event of Prismatic 2022 on Monday, September 26th! Join us for a full-day Summit gathering, feast, and showcase – everyone is welcome!
IIMS Presents: Bimiwizh with Breakout West
September 30, 2022, 9:30am local time (Gathering & Feast); 7:00pm (Giiwewizh Screening)
Hillhurst Room, Calgary Marriott Downtown Hotel, 110 9 Avenue SE, Calgary AB
IIMS will be holding space on Friday, September 30th for a special Summit gathering & feast at Breakout West in recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
The evening will feature a special film screening of Giiwewizh (to carry home), an IIMS project launched on June 8, 2021 that featured 16 Indigenous artists from across “Canada” in 16 short documentaries, produced by Jennifer Podemski and directed by Sarain Fox. The screening will begin at 7:00pm at the Eau Claire Market Cinemas, 200 Barclay Parade SW.
*If you would like to attend and need financial support to register for Breakout West, please reach out to us at connect@indigenousmusicalliance.com!
IIMS Presents: Bimiwizh with Mundial Montreal
November 15, 2022, 9:00am ET (Gathering & Feast); November 18, 2022, 3:00pm ET (Artist Showcases)
Galerie WIP, 3487 Blvd St. Laurent, Tiohtià:ke / Montréal, QC
We’re very excited to bring the Summit to Tiohtià:ke / Montréal for the opening event of Mundial Montreal 2022 on Tuesday, November 15th for a morning feast and gathering open to Indigenous artists, industry & community.
In addition to the morning gathering, we are very excited to present two official artist showcases on Friday, Nov. 18th at NOMAD: Shauit and Anyma! Follow the link below to learn more and register for the event!
OUR PARTNERS
