Posted On: Sep. 1, 2022
Giiwewizh: To Carry Home
On June 8, 2021, the International Indigenous Music Summit (IIMS) launched Giiwewizh (to carry home), a special project that featured 16 Indigenous artists from across “Canada'' in 16 short documentaries, produced by Jennifer Podemski and directed by Sarain Fox.
In each short film, artists invite us into their home and creative spaces and share their connection to land/place, identity, and their artistic practice. Shot entirely on iPhone 12, during lockdowns, the mini documentaries were edited alongside new live performance footage, and professionally recorded audio. These special works premiered collectively at IIMS 2021.
This is a free public program as part of the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation presented by The International Indigenous Music Summit, the Calgary International Film Festival, and Alberta Music taking place at Cineplex Eau Claire.
Where: Cineplex Eau Claire
When: Friday September 30, at 7:00 PM
Featured films
Hasaatuk
Hasaatuk comes from the west coast of BC. Her heritage stems from the Nuu-chah-nulth territory on western Vancouver Island, Woodland Cree First Nation near Fort Mcmurray, and Finnish ancestry.
Her music explores a diverse range of indigenous, environmental and social horizons that combine a blend of acoustic, blues and alternative styles of expression. In addition to her musical path, Kalilah is actively involved in activism and advocacy for the protection and preservation of Indigenous lands, culture and language.
Blue Moon Marquee
Blue Moon Marquee are a Swing Blues band born of the wild rose foothills of Alberta, Canada. They currently make their home in an island shack on the coast of the Salish Sea in Canada. A.W. Cardinal (vocals/guitar) and Jasmine Colette (vocals/bass/drums) write and perform original compositions.
Jay Gilday
Jay Gilday has searched for himself in the depths of Folk, blues, traditional, rock and most recently soul music. The quest continues as Jay takes his experiences as a half Dene half Irish youth on the roads of Canada – to the daily roller-coaster of work, family, and performance and weaves them into song. Jay’s live performance is executed with a trained voice and a passion to drive it, and backed by a heavy hitting guitar, finger-style or flat-picked, your choice.
Mamarudegyal MTHC
Mamarudegyal MTHC is a Vancouver based Hip Hop and R&B Artist born and raised in Siksika Nation, Alberta. In 2012, Diana was given the name Mamarudegyal MTHC by her Calgary KRUMP family Empirical Freedom and began her journey as a Solo Hip Hop and R&B Artist soon after.
Moving to Vancouver, BC in 2014, Diana AKA Mamarudegyal MTHC quickly became a mainstay on the Underground Hip Hop Scene where she joined forces with Native Rap duo Status Krew to found Rudegang Entertainment. Releasing her debut EP ‘MRG EP’ in 2016, and taking home two Fraser Valley Music Awards (Best Hip Hop - Female, Queer Excellence in Music) in 2017, Mamarudegyal MTHC has made quite a name for herself and has the scene waiting impatiently for her follow up album, currently in progress.
The North Sound
The North Sound's Alt-Country sound hit the scene in 2014, started by Forrest Eaglespeaker and supported by his partner Nevada Freistadt. The North Sound was created as a way to share stories in keeping true to Forrest’s Blackfoot identity and traditions from Treaty 7 Territory.
Shawnee Kish
Shawnee Kish is making her mark using music as medicine with her big soul voice and empowering message. CBC named the powerhouse singer as their 2020 Searchlight winner. "It's hard not to be moved by the raw emotion in her voice,'' explains Kai Black CBC Music executive producer. Billboard names Shawnee as one of their “Artists You Should Know" while MTV puts her on their list of their "Top Gender Bending Artists" as a Two Spirit person in music. "Shawnee is fearlessly authentic in her artistry," says Zubin Thakker platinum selling producer.
The Two Spirit singer tributes music as what pulled her from a dark place in her life growing up. Struggling with growing up and dealing with depression Shawnee used music as therapy and creating as healing.
Snotty Nose Rez Kids
Snotty Nose Rez Kids are a Canadian Hip-Hop duo of Haisla (Indigenous) descent from Kitimat, BC, composed of rappers Yung Trybez and Young D. Formed in 2016, SNRK released their first self-titled album in January 2017, and followed up that same year with their second full-length, The Average Savage in September 2017. The latter went on to secure them Best Hip Hop Artist at the Western Canadian Music Awards, cemented them on 2018’s Top 10 list of the coveted Polaris Music Prize, and landed them a 2019 Juno Nomination for best Indigenous Music Album. The group toured heavily in Canada with appearances in New York City, Seattle and Darwin, Australia. They quickly gained notoriety for their energetic, inspiring and thought provoking performances.
As COVID restrictions began to ease in 2021, SNRK were back in studio, creating their most personal project to date, LIFE AFTER, released in October 2021. The release landed them on the covers of Exclaim Magazine, Range Magazine and The Georgia Straight. Their hit single, Uncle Rico, debuted on BET Jams and went into rotation on MTV. After a year and half SNRK were back on the road for leg 1 of their Life After Tour with 13 shows in the US, and have announced a second leg for 2022 with another 20+ dates in Canada and the US.