sakihiwe festival aims to spread wings

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This article was published 21/06/2023 (835 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The sakihiwe festival is returning June 23-25, and this year it’s sharpening its focus so that it can grow in the future.

The Indigenous music festival, acting as a launchpad for Indigenous bands and artists from across Canada, will be spread across one grand opening concert at the Exchange Event Centre (291 Bannatyne Ave.) on Friday and two block parties — at Turtle Island Neighbourhood Centre (520 King St.), from noon to 9 p.m. on Saturday; and from noon to 8 p.m. on Sunday at Winnipeg’s Central Park.

This marks a departure from previous years. The decision was made in consultation with previous audiences and partners from 2022, sakihiwe festival director Alan Greyeyes said, in order to provide “a longer and more meaningful experience for the families in each neighbourhood.

“I wish we could do more each year,” Greyeyes said. “And we’re definitely gonna get there, but this is a good step.”

The festival boasts a strong lineup of artists, many of which have garnered a significant amount of social media attention. One example is Joel Wood of the Grammy-nominated group Northern Cree, a traditional artist who will be performing in the Saturday block party. He specializes in hand drum, something that has given him a lot of recent traction in the Indigenous music community.

“I think in the mainstream music industry, we put the most attention on contemporary artists like A Tribe Called Red or The Halluci Nation … but for the Indigenous community, I think the traditional artists are the real stars, for us at least,” Greyeyes said.

Greyeyes is also excited about the appearance of pop genre-bending Prado Monroe, an Afro-Indigenous artist from Vancouver who has familial ties in Winnipeg.

Other headlining acts include 2oolman, Gator Beaulieu, and rising star Nimkish.

Alongside listening to the music, guests are encouraged to dance, jig and participate in the available activities, including an Indigenous marketplace,

There will also be spot dances for kids, with $10 awarded to young participants who get out and onto the floor, and a prize draw at the end of the festival for everyone who purchased a ticket.

“It’s (all) just a great way to, not trick people into enjoying the music, but definitely help them understand how to participate in projects in projects (and have) a full experience at a music conference or music festival. Those are the things we’ve learned on how to engage families and what we’re building on this year.”

Greyeyes says that the strength of the festival lies with its partnerships with Canada Council for the Arts, Winnipeg Arts Council, and Manitoba Arts Council, as well as community partners such as Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre and the Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization of Manitoba.

More information, the full schedule, and how to purchase tickets can be found online at www.sakihiwe.ca