National Music Centre in partnership with Make Music Matter are proud to present a special performance by artist collective Nikamo.
Nikamo (‘Sing’ in Cree) will celebrate the release of its debut EP, Moments, by performing songs from the new effort. Moments will be released on October 20 on A4A Records, with global distribution through Warner Music Canada.
Nikamo's EP is a result of the Naskwahamâtowin project – a collaboration between Kehewin Native Dance Theatre (KNDT) and non-profit Make Music Matter (MMM) to offer innovative mental health support for Indigenous youth. The project is supported by Bell and National Music Centre is an official partner of the initiative.
Through sharing circles, songwriting, and recording, students were offered a safe space to communicate their feelings and talk about the weight they carry as survivors of intergenerational trauma. Together, they created five songs that paint a picture of resilience, the bonds of friendship, and connection to the land.
About Nikamo:
Nikamo (‘Sing’ in Cree) is an artist collective featuring Indigenous youth from Kehewin Cree Nation, Goodfish Lake, Onion Lake, Cold Lake, and Saddle Lake in central Alberta, Canada. They were brought together through the Naskwahamâtowin Healing in Harmony project and have transformed into empowered and fearless artists. Inspired by their own stories, their families, and community Elders, Nikamo are helping to keep their Indigenous culture alive.
About Kehewin Native Dance Theatre:
Kehewin Native Dance Theatre offers community workshops, training, educational resources, and performances that incorporate Indigenous theatre, dance, music, and storytelling. They have dazzled audiences across Canada and worldwide with performances by champion Pow Wow dancers, hoop dancers, breathtaking contemporary dancers, and renowned drummers, singers, and storytellers.
About Make Music Matter:
Make Music Matter uses the creative process as a therapeutic tool to help heal trauma and empower marginalised voices. Its innovative Healing in Harmony music therapy program has helped transform the lives of over 14,000 individuals in nine countries worldwide. Songs created through the program are professionally produced and released globally, serving as advocacy tools to promote human rights and combat stigma.