Indigenous Music in Canada
Indigenous music has always existed. Long before Canada's music industry took shape, First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples used song to carry language, histories, ceremony and culture from one generation to the next.
The Indigenous music industry, however, is much newer.
Today's Indigenous music industry has been built by artists, broadcasters, festivals, media organizations and community leaders who created opportunities where few existed. Their efforts have created new opportunities for artists while laying the foundation for a stronger, more connected industry.
This history reflects both the growth of Indigenous music and the collective effort to ensure future generations of Indigenous artists have the tools and opportunities to succeed.
Building the Foundation
Beginning in the 1970s, Indigenous-controlled media organizations such as Native Communications Inc. (NCI) and later Windspeaker Media created space for Indigenous voices in broadcasting and journalism. At the same time, artists including Willie Dunn, Shingoose, Robbie Robertson, Tom Jackson and Ernest Monias brought Indigenous music to audiences across Canada.
Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, new organizations and national platforms continued to strengthen the sector. The creation of an Indigenous music category at the JUNO Awards, the National Aboriginal Recording Industry Association (NARIA), the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN), the Manito Ahbee Festival and the Aboriginal Peoples Choice Music Awards all helped expand opportunities for Indigenous artists and increase the visibility of Indigenous music.
As digital platforms emerged, Indigenous artists reached larger audiences while Indigenous-led festivals, showcases, radio programs and conferences strengthened connections across the country.
A Shared Vision
While the sector continued to grow, Indigenous artists and music professionals still faced barriers to funding, business development and industry representation. Communities also identified the need for stronger advocacy and an Indigenous-led organization that could represent Indigenous music nationally.
In 2021, Indigenous artists, music professionals and industry leaders from across the country came together through a national engagement process to shape that vision. Guided by the principle of Indigenous music sovereignty, participants called for an Indigenous-led organization that would advocate for the sector, strengthen relationships and the Indigenous music network, build capacity and remain accountable to Indigenous music creators and professionals.
The Indigenous Music Office was created in response to that vision.
Building on decades of leadership from the Indigenous music industry, the IMO works to strengthen Indigenous music infrastructure through advocacy, research, partnerships and professional development. Guided by the Indigenous music community, the IMO continues to help create opportunities for Indigenous artists and music professionals while supporting a stronger Indigenous music ecosystem.
The story of Indigenous music continues to grow.
Guided by Indigenous voices and grounded in Indigenous ways of knowing and being, the work of building a strong and sustainable Indigenous music industry continues.