Language is… Musical

The following is a list of musical artists which we’ve presented today for you!

Adrian Sutherland 

Born and raised in Canada’s Far North, Adrian Sutherland is a roots-rocker with heart from Attawapiskat First Nation. His melding of rocks, roots, folk and blues draws inspiration from his life, the land, and his Cree culture, with songs that ripple far beyond the stage.  

Kayley Inuksuk Mackay and Tiffany Kuliktana Ayalik 

PIQSIQ is composed of sisters Kayley and Tiffany. These talented performers come together to create a unique Inuit style throat singing duo, performing ancient traditional songs along with new compositions. The two grew up in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, with roots in Nunavut. After years of hard work on their music, they have developed their own form, blending haunting melodies and otherworldly sounds.  

Young Spirit Singers 

Young Spirit are a Cree drum group formed in Frog Lake, Alberta in 2001. The bands musical style is traditional Cree round dancing songs, with the group of singers striking hand drums in unison.  

The Jerry Cans 

Iqaluit’s The Jerry Cans are a band from and for the North – they’ve always been committed to making music that honours and dialogues with their home communities. From buzzing indie rock to towering shoegaze to moonlit country to Arctic post-punk, The Jerry Cans continue a tradition of celebration and resistance through music. 

Northern Cree 

Northern Cree, also known as the Northern Cree Singers, is a powwow and round dance drum and singing group, based in Maskwacis, Alberta, Canada. Formed in 1982 by the Wood brothers; Steve, Randy, Charlie and Earl Wood of the Saddle Lake Cree Nation, all members originate from Treaty 6 territory. 

Verna Demontigny with sons Elvis and Stephen 

The group teaches Michif songs such as the Tanshii Song and Family Song, written by Elder Verna Demontigny. These songs teach us words and phrases such as “How are you” and “I am Fine” along with kinship terms.   

Morgan Toney 

Mi’kmaq fiddler and singer Morgan Toney melds the fiery fiddling of Cape Breton Island with the old songs of the Mi’kmaq People together with brilliance and heart. First Flight, Toney’s 2023 East Coast Music Award-winning debut album, celebrates language and heritage in Toney’s transformation of traditional songs like the Ko’jua and Mi’kmaw Honour Song, alongside highly original songcraft.