As part of the OHSOTO'KINO initiative, join the National Music Centre and Aboriginal Awareness Week Calgary for a special event showcasing local Indigenous song, music, and dance. The day’s lineup includes Elder Eldon Weasel Child offering a presentation on Blackfoot history with percussive instruments, champion hoop dancer Quentin Pipestem, and singer-songwriter Cynthia Hamar.
The National Music Centre’s newly updated Speak Up! exhibition also launches on June 21, giving the public an opportunity to learn about Indigenous culture and experiences through the lens of music. Speak Up! recognizes trailblazing Indigenous voices in music, including recently added artists Tom Jackson, Elisapie, Ferron, Fawn Wood, and Drezus. Featuring storytelling, audio, and artifacts, visitors to Speak Up! can learn how Indigenous artists are fostering dialogue and understanding to radically shift the Canadian paradigm of who First Nation, Métis, and Inuit people are.
Admission to Studio Bell is free for everyone courtesy of Stantec on June 21, National Indigenous Peoples Day.
About Eldon Weasel Child:
Born and raised at Siksika Nation in Alberta, Blackfoot was Eldon Weasel Child’s first language, and he is actively involved with the Blackfoot cultural way of life.
Music is also a big part of his life. He began singing powwow music at the age of six and became lead singer of his first drum group at eight years old. He won a world-class singing championship with drum group Blackfoot Crossing in 1987 at the Gathering of Nations, in Albuquerque, NM.
About Quentin Pipestem:
Quentin Pipestem is a three-time world champion hoop dancer from Tsuut’ina Nation.
About Cynthia Hamar:
Cynthia Hamar is a folk musician who composes music that is menacing, powerful, and contemplative” (Music Arena Gh, 2022); an Alberta-born Métis singer-songwriter with four studio albums that prove her dedication to her craft. Hamar recently completed her Bachelor of Music, majoring in recording and production. During her time at MacEwan, she was the recipient of the Victor-Osten Performing Arts Award (2022), the winner of the 2021 Bent River Records Songwriting Competition, and was chosen to represent MacEwan as a songwriter and performer at their 50-year celebration. Hamar’s newest album, “Joint & Marrow” was released on Neon Moon Records September 2022, charting on earshot! The National Top 50 Chart, The National Folk/Roots/Blues Chart, and finished the year off at #26 on CKUA top 100 for 2022.
About Aboriginal Awareness Week Calgary:
Designed to raise cultural awareness within the city of Calgary and to celebrate contemporary achievements of Indigenous people in Canada, Aboriginal Awareness Week Calgary (AAWC) has developed into what it is today through the dedication and commitment of its volunteers.
Learn more about AAWC at aawc.ca.