Kawennison Louise Lahache
Elder
Kawennison Louise Lahache is a Turtle clan woman from Kahnawake. She is a mother of four, grandmother of six, a wife, the eldest of nine siblings, and an auntie to dozens and dozens of nephews and nieces. Louise has spent most of her life working in education at the community level, on and off reserve. Most recently, Louise has retired from nearly 20 years as a college professor. She served on the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples, the Assembly of First Nations, and the National Association of Friendship Centres. Her special areas of expertise have been focused on culture, education, Indigenous languages, and Elders. Louise has a M.A. in Canadian Studies, but she believes that the most important and sacred teachings she has acquired have come through life experiences and teachings from family, community, Elders, and of course, her many years of teaching and learning with youth.
Gerard Sagassige
Elder
Gerard Sagassige is from curve Lake First Nation with family connections to Serpent River. He has been assisting with healing work for over 20 years. He is a Midewiwin Lodge Member and has worked with many teachers through this travels.
Aaron Prosper
Artist & Healthcare Professional
Wed June 12th
Music is Medicine
2:00pm-3:00pm
Roy Thomson Hall, North Lobby
Aaron Prosper is a proud L’nu artist and healthcare professional from the Eskasoni First Nation, now residing in Herring Cove, Nova Scotia.
In 2018-2019, Aaron served as President of the Dalhousie Students’ Union, becoming the first Indigenous person to serve in this role. A graduate of Dalhousie University’s Bachelor of Science (Neuroscience) program, Aaron has held roles with the Union of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq (aka the Union), Nova Scotia Health Authority, and has served as a part-time sessional instructor with Dalhousie University and Saint Mary’s University. Aaron currently works as a Manager of Intergovernmental Relation with the Nova Scotia Department of Health and Wellness, and is a graduate student with the University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI). Aaron’s work and research span a variety of disciplines including Indigenous Health and Sciences, Indigenous Ethics and Research Methodologies, and contemporary & traditional Mi’kmaw song, dance, and history.
Aengus Finnan
Cultural Sector Leader
Wed June 12
Collaborators & Co-Conspirators: Supporting the Indigenous-Owned Music Industry
11:00am-1:00pm
TD Music Hall
Cultural sector leader, nonprofit advisor, community convener, music industry consultant, speaker, educator, artist
Andy Hunter
CMRRA
Friday June 14
Royalties and Revenue: Let’s Get You Paid
12:15pm-1:15pm
TD Music Hall 4th floor
Andy Hunter is legal counsel at the Canadian Musical Reproduction Rights Agency (CMRRA), a SoundExchange company. CMRRA represents the musical works of over 6000 music publisher clients.
Andy is a graduate of Osgoode Hall law school, where he specialised in intellectual property and copyright. He has conducted and presented research on behalf of Canadian Heritage, focusing on the workings of the Copyright Board and the metrics used to value music. In his current role, his primary focus is to negotiate the licensing of CMRRA’s repertoire for online and broadcast use, among others.
Prior to joining CMRRA, Andy worked in the entertainment business with Cineplex, where (amongst other things) he negotiated on the licensee side for the use of music in theatres and on the internet.
Denise Bolduc
Director, Producer, Cultural Connector
Thurs June 13th
Perspectives from the Four Directions: Asserting Our Narrative & Music Soverignty
12:00pm-1:15pm
TD Music Hall 4th floor
Denise Bolduc is an accomplished director, producer, cultural connector, and creator who is driven to transform perspectives and activate change. Her career, of close to 35 years, represents countless contributions and connections with numerous celebrated artists, thinkers, communities, and leading cultural institutions nationally and globally. Denise intentionally curates for community connectivity and has led a multitude of small to large scale arts experiences elevating the careers of numerous Indigenous creatives and leaders.
Drezus
Artist
Wed June 12th
Music is Medicine
2:00pm-3:00pm
Roy Thomson Hall, North Lobby
Drezus, an Anishinaabe MC, blends traditional teachings with
contemporary sound, channeling over two decades of musical expression as an artist, producer, and activist. Each track he crafts, whether soulful samples or trap-heavy beats, carries a profound message rooted in his culture and the enduring protocols that shape it.
Initially raised disconnected from his culture, Drezus found solace and inspiration in hip-hop, which became a lifeline during
dark times of chaos and addiction. His music serves as a potent medicine and a call to action for Indigenous communities and
conscientious individuals, weaving powerful messages of strife, resilience, and perseverance.
Elaine Bomberry
Trailblazer
Tues June 11th
Keynote
11:30pm-12:30pm
TD Music Hall 4th floor
Elaine is Anishinaabe and Cayuga, from Six Nations of the Grand River Territory, in southern Ontario. She has worked as a freelance Indigenous Performing Arts activist/promoter/manager for 38 years, and was a TV and radio producer for 15 years. She now makes her home on the Capilano Rez, on the unceded Squamish Nation territory in North Vancouver, British Columbia, for the last 18 years.
Elaine is Manager for JUNO winner, Mohawk blues piano man Murray Porter her Husband, also
from Six Nations, full-time for the past 18 years, and has worked with him throughout the years
since 1990. She was also Associate Producer on his 2012 JUNO award-winning CD, `Songs Lived & Life Played’, and has emerged as a lyricist on a few songs on his last 2 recordings, and is now a member of SOCAN. She’s Associate Producer on his new album, ‘STAND UP! which was released
in February 2019.
Erika Iserhoff
Ontario Arts Council
Wed June 12th
Stand Up and Stand Out: Building Successful Grant Applications
3:30pm-4:30pm
Roy Thomson Hall, North Lobby
Erika Annie Iserhoff is Mushkego/Eeyou Cree and a member of the Constance Lake First Nation, located in Treaty 9 in northeastern Ontario. She is currently the Indigenous Arts Program Officer and was the former Indigenous Culture Fund Grants Facilitator at the Ontario Arts Council. Before this, Erika worked as a multidisciplinary and community-engaged artist, costume designer, creative producer/presenter, and artistic director. In more recent years, she has focused on increasing access to and providing critical granting initiatives from an Indigenous perspective to Indigenous arts and culture initiatives and organizations. She is dedicated and has worked extensively to support cultural revitalization initiatives in various Indigenous communities in Ontario and Quebec. She holds a Bachelor of Design with a major in Material Arts and Design from OCAD University. In 2017, she received the Ontario Arts Council’s Emerging Indigenous Artist Award. Additionally, she received the Dora Mavor Moore Award for Outstanding Costume Design in 2009.
G.R. Gritt
Artist.& Producer
Wed June 12th
The Art Of Safer Space: Wellness In The Music industry
3:30pm-4:30pm
Roy Thomson Hall, South Lobby
G.R. Gritt is a 2-Spirit Anishinaabe and Metis artist from Robinson-Huron Treaty territory. Their family is from Shebahonaning / Killarney, Ontario and they are currently living in Sudbury. They are an accomplished musician and sound technician with over 15 years of expertise in the music industry. Educated at the Institut d’enregistrement du Canada in Montréal, Greyson has developed a large range of skills, from professional singing and songwriting to mastering various instruments and sound technologies. G.R.’s career is marked by significant achievements and contributions. They are a JUNO Award winner for Indigenous Album of the Year with Quantum Tangle and have been featured on CBC’s Q for the hit “Turnin’ It Up.” They have had the honour of performing at major events like Indigenous Peoples’ Day in Toronto, and Fierté Canada Pride Festival, reflecting their dedication to Indigenous and 2SLGBTQ+ communities. Their commitment extends beyond performance, to volunteer roles in the music community, including the ACTRA/RACS Advisory Committee and the Juno Awards Music Advisory Screening Committee. They also contribute to the music community as a mentor, sharing their knowledge with emerging Indigenous and 2SLGBTQ+ musicians.
Huia Hamon
Artist
Thurs June 13th
Perspectives from the Four Directions: Asserting Our Narrative & Music Soverignty
12:00pm-1:15pm
TD Music Hall 4th floor
With electronic beats, organic percussion, live guitars and deep harmonies, Huia’s set is a richly layered big bass sound with conscious lyrics in both te reo Māori, english and a touch
of Spanish. Huia’s music flows from ambient tunes, liquid DnB, through to dancehall bangers and she has a
vibrant and friendly stage presence. She also loves to do small intimate gatherings, keeping it simple with a guitar and her voice. Huia’s a new single ‘WAKA HUIA’ clicked up 15,000 view in a week for her WOMAD24 debut, and is part of a year log album project called ‘KAWAKAWA’. She is working on a
global tour including Canada, Australia, Europe and Wales in 2024/25.
Ila Barker
Artist
Wed June 12th
Stand Up and Stand Out: Building Successful Grant Applications
3:30pm-4:30pm
Roy Thomson Hall, North Lobby
In 2017, Winnipeg-based Anishinaabe and settler folk-soul musician Ila Barker held a guitar on her lap as a friend confided in her the details of an abusive relationship. Barker sang her friend’s words back to her, softly strumming the strings and turning anguish into a serendipitous self-serenade. Eventually that song became the title track of Barker’s debut full-length album, Fool Under Water, a tough-but-tender testament to the possibility of survival, forged as she swam ashore herself. Through her work as founding curator with AIRsessions, a series of free music workshops for youth, Barker advocates for gender equity and Indigenous representation in music. “I have found a deeper connection with my community and the Indigenous music community through my music journey,” she says.
The Kaptain
DJ Artist
Wed June 12th
The Art Of Safer Space: Wellness In The Music industry
3:30pm-4:30pm
Roy Thomson Hall, South Lobby
The Kaptain is a DJ spinning and living in Treaty 1 Territory. They have been building their skill and practice as a DJ artist for 10 years. Currently, they work professionally as a DJ, crafting their unique mixes that meld culture, connection, and their eclectic musical taste. They have graced stages across Turtle Island, including festivals, conferences, weddings, Pride Festivals, and community events. They have headlined in their home community, Winnipeg, and beyond. They meld the sounds and spirit of their culture as an Inuk and Anishinaabe performer. Whether they are mixing pow-wow with EDM, or hip-hop and country, they will always bring the beats to move the crowd. Whatever the vibe at whatever the event, The Kaptain will ensure smooth sailing on the dancefloor.
Kim Fontaine
Makusham Musique
Born in the Innu community of Uashat Mak Mani-Utenam, his passion for music and the culture of his people has driven him since a young age. During secondary school, he discovered his passion for music. In 1997, he joined the Makusham studio as a sound engineer, a role he still proudly holds. Collaborating with various artists over the years, he joined the band Maten as a bassist at the age of 22, experiencing memorable moments on stage. He also accompanied the renowned Innu singer Florent Vollant as a musician, an experience that left a mark on his career. For 10 years, he coordinated the Innu Nikamu Festival, promoting Innu culture through music. He also co-founded the record label Makusham Musique over 2 years ago, thus supporting Indigenous talent. Today, as a sound engineer and staunch advocate for Innu culture, he continues to fully invest in music. His journey reflects his passion and commitment to his community, hoping to inspire future generations through music.
Kingsley Swim
Grant Writer
Wed June 12th
Stand Up and Stand Out: Building Successful Grant Applications
3:30pm-4:30pm
Roy Thomson Hall, North Lobby
Kingsley Swim (she/her) is a community connector, independent curator, and the driving force behind her agency, The Framework. Her efforts encompass collaborating with multidisciplinary artists, collectives and art service organizations through forward-thinking program development, spearheading funding proposals, and event curation. She remains active behind the scenes, bringing fresh ideas to several local art presenters (Debaser, Cranium Arts Project, House of PainT) and assessment on regional peer committees (Canada Council for the Arts, City of Ottawa, Bourses Tontine Awards), plus voting on award juries (JUNOS, Western Canadian Music Awards, East Coast Music Awards) coast-to-coast. In 2023, she was selected as a Keychange Innovator, engaging in professional development, networking and travel throughout Europe. To date, Kingsley has secured seven figures in public funding to support and empower Canadian-based creatives and artist-centred initiatives.
Kortnee Borden
ACTRA
Friday June 14
Royalties and Revenue: Let’s Get You Paid
12:15pm-1:15pm
TD Music Hall 4th floor
Over the past 18 years, Kortnee has worked at ACTRA Performers Rights Society (PRS) to ensure that performers understand and can access the rights and royalties available to them in Canada and around the world. In his current role as Associate Director, he manages the operations of the ACTRA Recording Artists’ Collecting Society (RACS). His love of music spans across many genres and he is an avid record collector that always finds time for digging in the crates for rare vinyl.
Kym Gouchie
Artist
Wed June 12th
The Art Of Safer Space: Wellness In The Music industry
3:30pm-4:30pm
Roy Thomson Hall, South Lobby
Kym Gouchie is recognized for her versatility as an artist, showcasing her talents across multiple mediums. As a musician, storyteller, and songwriter, her performances are more than just a display of artistic prowess; they are a cultural bridge. These performances unite diverse audiences, creating shared experiences through the universal language of song and narrative. Beyond her artistic endeavors, Kym actively serves as a cultural liaison on various boards, advocating for the rights and representation of Indigenous Peoples with unwavering commitment and passion.
Layla Staats
Artist
Wed June 12th
Music is Medicine
2:00pm-3:00pm
Roy Thomson Hall, North Lobby
Layla Staats is an inspirational and creative multidisciplinary Artist, based on Six Nations of the Grand River. Her
work stems from her reclamation journey to take back the Mohawk Teachings that were taken from her before she
was even born as a generational survivor of residential schools. Layla is a Filmmaker and storyteller who just
premiered her second documentary “Boil Alert” at the Toronto International Film Festival. In the film Layla guides
you as she investigates and campaigns around issues of unsafe and unclean water supply in indigenous
communities in both Canada and the United States. Layla is also a singer/songwriter, and a powerful Speaker and Activist. She advocates for Indigenous rights and
utilizes her mediums to provide a platform for the stories and movements of her community.
Mamarudegyal MTHC
Rudegang Entertainment
Wed June 12th
The Art Of Safer Space: Wellness In The Music industry
3:30pm-4:30pm
Roy Thomson Hall, South Lobby
Mamarudegyal MTHC is a Hip Hop/R&B Artist and Founder of Rudegang Entertainment. Releasing her debut “MRG EP” in 2016, winning two Fraser Valley Music Awards in 2017 then spending a bulk of time honing her skills and knowledge, Mamarudegyal MTHC released her most recent project ABREACTION (Jan 2024).
Marek Tyler
Indigenous Music Office
Wed June 12th
Building a National Organization: Indigenous Music Office
11:00am-1:00pm
TD Music Hall, 4th Floor
Marek Tyler (nêhiyaw/Scottish) is deeply rooted in his cultural heritage, living and working in amiskwacîy (Edmonton) on Treaty 6 territory. Marek’s professional journey is a testament to his commitment to his community, as he serves as a Community liaison, project manager, facilitator, radio host, musician, and now the Executive Director for the Indigenous Music Office. His academic achievements include a Masters of Business Administration from Simon Fraser University (MBA). Marek’s work reflects his cultural pride, with his involvement in cultural projects, radio, album releases, and performances. He has also made significant contributions to The Witness Blanket – A National Monument to Residential School Survivors, project managing The Spirit Pole – North American Indigenous Games, and conducting Community-based research for the Indigenous non-profit sector. Currently, Marek is dedicated to documenting and sharing his family’s cultural protocols through his new project, ASKO.
Matt Maw
Red Music Rising
Friday June 14
The Future of the Indigenous-Owned Music Industry
12:15pm-1:15pm
TD Music Hall
Matt Maw (Chippewas of the Thames First Nation) is the Director & Lead Artist Manager at Red Music Rising. Matt brings over a decade of multi-faceted music industry experience to RMR, along with a passion for artist development and a mission to amplify Canada’s Indigenous artists on the global stage. Throughout his career, Matt has worked with some of the Nation’s most celebrated artists, Indigenous and otherwise, and now oversees a label and management roster including Boogey The Beat, Nimkish, Wolf Saga, Logan Staats, and Sebastian Gaskins, among others. A graduate of the Harris Institute for the Arts, Matt currently sits on the board of Music Managers Forum Canada and the BreakOut West Indigenous Advisory Committee. Matt has previously worked alongside organizations including Arts & Crafts Productions, Six Shooter Records, Collective Concerts, Field Trip, Ziigwan and Minoshkite.
Michelle Holtzener
Ontario Creates
Wed June 12th
Stand Up and Stand Out: Building Successful Grant Applications
3:30pm-4:30pm
Roy Thomson Hall, North Lobby
Michelle is a Program Consultant at the Ontario Music Office at Ontario Creates where she uses her wide breadth of music industry experience to help deliver the Ontario Music Investment Fund (OMIF) to a range of companies and organizations across Ontario’s music ecosystem. Prior to joining Ontario Creates she enjoyed a successful 15 year career at EMI Music Canada in a number of roles including Manager, Creative and International. An active participant in the music community, Michelle is a previous member of various music-based working groups. Outside of her professional pursuits, Michelle is an avid jigsaw puzzler and an enthusiastic, albeit reluctant, runner.
Noel Habel
Canada Council
Wed June 12th
Stand Up and Stand Out: Building Successful Grant Applications
3:30pm-4:30pm
Roy Thomson Hall, North Lobby
Noel Habel is a member of the Sioux Valley Dakota First Nation with a degree in music and arts administration from the University of Ottawa. He has played in several bands as a drummer and percussionist in the Ottawa area before settling down and starting a family. His artistic career was put on hiatus for 14 years while he worked as a program officer for the Canada Council for the Arts travelling to many communities and events to help Indigenous artists in the pursuit of their project and career goals. Noel moved to Quebec City in July of 2018 to experience more personal and professional challenges and in addition to crafting his artistic persona William C. Wikcemna Yamni Sam Wanzi and releasing his first 2 singles, he also narrated a governor general award-winning book Mamaskatch by author Darryl McLoed.
Pisim Sb
Landback Records
Friday June 14
The Future of the Indigenous-Owned Music Industry
12:15pm-1:15pm
TD Music Hall
Pisim Sb’s artistic journey is marked by not only remarkable performances but also a commitment to cultural preservation, Indigenous sovereignty, advocacy, and education. His work transcends artistic boundaries, fostering a deeper understanding of Indigenous culture and the ongoing struggle for justice and self-determination. Pisim Sb continues to be a driving force in the arts and social justice spheres, leaving an indelible mark on the world.
Sandy Powlik
Creative BC
Wed June 12th
Stand Up and Stand Out: Building Successful Grant Applications
3:30pm-4:30pm
Roy Thomson Hall, North Lobby
Sandy Powlik is a Music Funding Program Coordinator at Creative BC and part of the CIMA Membership Committee. She is also a singer-songwriter, artist-entrepreneur (Lola Parks), music industry consultant and music teacher (piano, guitar, voice) with over 25 years of professional musical and music industry experience. Sandy has been a grant and awards juror and panelist for Creative BC, Music BC, the First Peoples’ Cultural Council, the BC Touring Council, Full Circle, FACTOR, West Coast Music Awards and JUNOs. She has also worked in finance, publishing, service, government and as Indigenous Outreach for the BC Touring Council.
Shaneen Robinson-Desjarlais
Music Director CFNR Network
Wed June 12th
The Art Of Safer Space: Wellness In The Music industry
3:30pm-4:30pm
Roy Thomson Hall, South Lobby
Cree and Gitxsan
Shannon is a multi-award-winning broadcaster who’s been on Canada’s media scene for more than two decades.
She’s worked at CTV News Winnipeg as a daily news reporter where her stories aired on CTV Newsnet/News Channel, CTV National News, and CNN.
She also worked for many years as an announcer on NCI FM and as a correspondent for APTN National News where she garnered much attention for her award-winning series about The Sacred Sundance.
She is proud of her final journalistic work with the network, Breaching the Sacred—a 22-minute investigative piece exploring the tragic reality of Indigenous women living with addictions and using while pregnant.
Sky Thomas
Music Producer, Yirramboi
Thurs June 13th
Perspectives from the Four Directions: Asserting Our Narrative & Music Soverignty
12:00pm-1:15pm
TD Music Hall 4th floor
Thomas is a proud Gunai/Kurnai/Yorta Yorta/Wiradjuri creative living in Naarm. Sky’s long history in creative industries, community engagement and events production have manifested into her role as Music Producer at YIRRAMBOI, one of the largest First Nations platforms globally, focused specifically on evolutionary and experimental practices. Sky’s diverse resume began in government – working as the Aboriginal Engagement Officer for City of Greater Dandenong Council. Her creative practice includes being a nationally recognised DJ under the name “Soju Gang”, the creator of self-determined music events and mini festivals, including “Sorbaes” at one of Melbourne’s largest music venues, the Sidney Myer Music Bowl. Sky is a Radio Show host at CADA: Australia’s Home of Hip Hop and RnB and a design artist across graphics, content and fashion, all the while continuing to advocate for First Nations communities by using her platform and standing reputation in the music scene to push forward conversations and action towards recognition, inclusivity and Sovereignty.
Susan Aglukark
Artist
Wed June 12th
Music is Medicine
2:00pm-3:00pm
Roy Thomson Hall, North Lobby
Susan Aglukark is Canada’s first Inuk artist to win a Juno (total of 4), a Governor General’s Performing Arts Award for lifetime artistic achievement, and she is an officer of the Order of Canada. Susan holds several Honorary Doctorate degrees and has held command performances.
During a career that has spanned more than 30 years, Susan’s journey as a singer-songwriter has led her to reflect on who she is, where she comes from and the importance of discovery – discovery of history, culture and self, this time of reflection, writing and songwriting has Susan coming back to one area of profound knowing, the Inuit are an extraordinary people deeply grounded in a culture forged by their Ancestors, their journey is what shaped them.
Thea May
Artist
Treasa Levasseur
Performer, Writer, Culture Worker
Wed June 12
Collaborators & Co-Conspirators: Supporting the Indigenous-Owned Music Industry
11:00am-1:00pm
TD Music Hall
Treasa Levasseur (she/her) is 12th generation French Canadian settler and 1st generation Irish Canadian who gratefully lives and works in Hamilton, in Dish with One Spoon territory. She wears many hats: performer, writer, culture worker and community educator among others. She spent 7 years working at Folk Alliance International before taking the leap back into the freelance creative life. She has recently worked as Jury Manager for Global Toronto and will be collaborating with the Folk Music Ontario team on programming for the 2024 conference.
Zack Leighton
Sub Management Group
Friday June 14
Royalties and Revenue: Let’s Get You Paid
12:15pm-1:15pm
TD Music Hall 4th floor
Zack Leighton is EVP of Sub Management Group, a music industry firm specializing in Dedicated Rights Management and Funding Management. SMG supports many of Canada’s most notable artists, labels and managers as well as an expansive contingent of global artists and producers. Since inception, SMG has contributed to 200+ Juno Awards, dozens of Grammy Awards, and countless Gold and Platinum certifications in Canada, USA and UK. In Rights Management, SMG represents credits on some of the most notable songs in the history of commercial music.
Zack has been an advisor to Ontario Creates (formerly the OMDC), the Department of Canadian Heritage, the Ontario Ministry of Finance, various regional agencies, municipal governments, State Representatives, as well as major media companies including Spotify and Bell Media. He has certification in Entertainment Law (Osgoode), Arts Management (Harris), and Blockchain Strategy (Saïd Business School at Oxford). He lives in Guelph, Ontario, Canada with his wife and two children.
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