INDIGIFEST 2021 Featured On CBC

CBC All Points West LISTEN HERE 

CBC On the Coast LISTEN HERE 

FPCC announces INDIGIFEST 2021 on July 26, 2021 on the All Points West and On the Coast programs. The interviews are with Nuu Chah Nulth Singer/Songwriter, Hasaatuk and executive producer of INDIGIFEST and former Arts Program Manager for the First Peoples’ Cultural Council, Sarah Pocklington. Hasaatuk discussed starting in music and sharing community messages through music, while Sarah talked about transitioning and evolving the in-person event into a digital event. “There’s some really beautiful things about people sharing virtually, cause they’re actually sharing where they’re from, from their homes,” said Sarah. “Music is one of those languages that transcends,” added Hasaatuk. “It’s an amazing feeling to share it.”

LISTEN HERE 

The festival kicked off with an interview with Leroy Joe, lead singer of The Spiritual Warriors, who is from the Lil’wat Nation. Leroy spoke about the origin of the band’s name and history, the singing of songs in the U’cwalmicwts language, and how many of the bands songs originate from hand drum songs.

LISTEN HERE 

Jodi B, of South African and Qalipu Mi’kmaq ancestry, discussed her start as a busker playing music on the streets, the importance of stories, and how her INDIGIFEST feature is filmed in a treehouse. “The INDIGIFEST program is incredible … FPCC are an incredible support for artists and the music and culture. I feel so grateful to be a part of these programs,” said Jodi. “They really make things more achievable. It makes you dream a little bigger.”

LISTEN HERE 

Folk-pop singer-songwriter Myc Sharratt, from the Snuneymuxw First Nation and a member of the Ts’il Kaz Koh (also known as the Burns Lake Band), spoke about how he started playing guitar, the importance of music, community and Indigenous identity. “It’s a nice journey,” said Sharratt. “I think people want that sense of community. Music is one of those things … it transcends so many things. It’s pretty cool to know that we’re all still pulling in the same direction as far as music and community goes.”

LISTEN HERE 

MzShellz, an emerging Cree Hip Hop artist originally from Treaty 4 territory and now residing on the unceded territories of Tsleil-Waututh (səl̓ilw̓ətaʔɬ), Musqueam (xʷməθkʷəy̓əm) and Squamish (Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw) First Nations, discussed her start in poetry, the importance of Hip Hop in her life, being a voice of hope for women and mothers. “To all the youth out there, I want you to keep dreaming,” said MzShellz. “Keep believing in yourselves, keep pushing yourselves, and don’t be afraid to stand out.”