Songwriter wins inaugural Vince Fontaine award

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This article was published 22/06/2023 (887 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Anishinaabe rocker Veronica Blackhawk is the inaugural recipient of Manitoba Music’s Vince Fontaine Legacy Award, the organization’s Indigenous Music Steering Committee announced Thursday afternoon.

Named after the late Fontaine, a decorated and respected musician best known as a member of Eagle & Hawk and Indian City, the award “recognizes an emerging Indigenous artist or industry professional” and is geared toward contributing to their ongoing professional development.

Fontaine, a founding member of the steering committee and a past member of Manitoba Music’s board of directors, died in January 2022.

Blackhawk, a two-spirit performer and producer originally from Lake of the Woods, is the leader and principal songwriter of Tinge, a grungy indie trio that stormed onto the Winnipeg scene earlier this year with the release of their debut EP Big Deep Sigh. The five-track collection sees Blackhawk reckon with the turbulence of mental health, the excitement of new crushes, and their Indigenous identity.

Tinge’s next shows are the free Central Block Party at Sakihiwe Festival on Sunday and at Real Love Summer Fest on July 28.

“We are thrilled to share this award with Veronica, who is a true champion of music and the arts in Manitoba and deeply committed to making our industry and community a better space for Indigenous artists and the community as a whole,” says Shaneen Robinson-Desjarlais, Manitoba Music’s Indigenous Music Development program co-ordinator.

The award will provide Blackhawk with financial support to attend the Artist Entrepreneur West development program at the National Music Centre in Calgary this fall, along with professional development opportunities within Manitoba Music.

Blackhawk will receive the award, sponsored by both Manitoba Music and Manitoba Film & Music, on July 4 at Manitoba Music’s annual general meeting.