OHSOTO’KINO is an Indigenous programming initiative focusing on three elements: creation of new music in NMC’s recording studios, artist development through a music incubator program, and exhibitions via the annually updated Speak Up! gallery.
With support from TD, and building on the groundwork already laid in previous years, NMC is creating more opportunities for Indigenous artists to produce new music and develop their skills, and continuing to amplify the stories of Indigenous musicians and their contributions to Canadian culture. OHSOTO’KINO is a Blackfoot phrase, which means ‘to recognize a voice of.’ This title acknowledges the Blackfoot people and the territory on which National Music Centre resides. NMC’s National Indigenous Programming Advisory Committee will lead the direction of the initiative designed to forge stronger bridges of understanding between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.
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Recording Bursary
The OHSOTO’KINO Recording Bursary program is open to First Nations, Métis, and Inuit artists. NMC will provide access to its world-class recording studios and “living collection” of musical instruments, which spans 450 years of technical innovation — Indigenous artists will have the opportunity to ‘use history to make history.' Two submissions (one for contemporary music, one for traditional genres) will be selected by NMC’s Indigenous Programming Advisory Committee and awarded a one-week recording session at Studio Bell to produce a commercial release.
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Speak Up!
Speak Up! is both an online and physical exhibition at Studio Bell, which highlights Indigenous artists making social and political impacts in Canada. Having already highlighted 15 groundbreaking musicians — Buffy Sainte-Marie, Willie Dunn, and Tanya Tagaq, to name a few — a new round of Indigenous trailblazers will be announced in the lead up to National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21, 2022.
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Music Incubator
OHSOTO’KINO Indigenous Music Incubator is a five-day intensive artist development program for emerging Indigenous artists in Canada. Each year, four to six Indigenous artists will converge at Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre, to learn new skills, connect with music industry experts from across the country, and hone their craft and professional chops.
Applications are now closed.
OHSOTO'KINO is proudly supported by
Original OHSOTO'KINO branding and design
by Leticia Spence.