Virtual concerts CELEBRATE INDIGENOUS WOMEN By Jennifer McFee
Above: Shaneen Robinson-Desjarlais is the Indigenous Music Development co-ordinator. Right: Singer-songwriter Ila Barker will be performing in the Iskwewak Nikamowak virtual concert.
Indigenous women from across Manitoba will share their musical talent in back-to-back virtual performances for International Women’s Day. The Indigenous Music Development program at Manitoba Music received funding from Factor Canada to host the toe- tapping events. Shaneen Robinson-Desjarlais, Indigenous Music Development co-ordinator, came up with idea following the success of last year’s online Mother’s Day concert. For the Iskwewak Nikamowak virtual
concert, she invited submissions from Indigenous women who are already members of Manitoba Music. “Iskwewak Nikamowak” means “women singing” in the Swampy Cree dialect from much of northern Manitoba, which is home to many of the performers. “We want to showcase some of our Indigenous female talent that we work with,” she said. “We’ll highlight them in a mini concert so we can celebrate them on International Women’s Day.” In addition, the Iskwewak Nikamowak online talent showcase provides an opportunity for Indigenous women who are emerging amateur singers. “There’s an underground community of artists that participate in talent shows in the
CONTINUED>>
Happy International Women’s Day!
WTCWINNIPEG.COM
20 CELEBRATING INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY
Powered by FlippingBook