Festivals, Awards Celebrate Aboriginal Culture

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Aboriginal artists from across the continent are descending on Winnipeg for the first week of November. The Manito Ahbee Festival, Aboriginal Music Week (AMW), and Aboriginal People’s Choice Music Awards (APCMA) boast an impressive lineup of concerts, workshops, and activities October 31 through November 4. 

The fourth annual AMW hosts performances in all genres of music showcasing Aboriginal, Métis, Inuit, and Indigenous artists from across Canada and beyond. The opening night concert features the internationally-acclaimed experimental Inuit throat singing of Tanya Tagaq and, throughout the week, local talent takes over the city including rapper Wab Kinew; teenage pop songstress Savannah Rae Boyko; singer/songwriter Don Amero; hip hop performances by Drezus and Portage la Prairie’s OBT; award-winning rock outfit Bruthers of Different Muthers; The Joe Maxim Band; and former Manitoban, isKwé. Visit the Live Music Calendar for complete festival concert listings.

In addition to the live music performances during AMW, the Manito Ahbee Festival hosts various education and outreach events such as the Youth Education Gathering; an Indigenous Marketplace and Trade Show; and the International Pow-Wow Competition. A full schedule of events can be found at the Manito Ahbee website.

The carpet will be rolled out at the MTS Centre on November 2 for the APCMAs, which honour outstanding artistic achievements of Aboriginal artists in North America. Manitoba artists and industry netted 27 nominations this year and winners are decided by the public through online voting. Performers at this year's ceremony, which will be nationally-televised on APTN, include Manitoba acts Indian City and Bruthers of Different Mothers, and many more. The invite-only Ohshkii Awards, which take place on November 1, celebrate those who work within the music industry. Click here for more on this year's APCMA nominees from Manitoba.

The Aboriginal Music Program will host a free workshop during the day on November 2 to provide Aboriginal artists an opportunity to explore the Canada Council for the Arts funding programs. Click here for more information.

Visit the aboriginalmusic.ca for workshop information, live music calendar, and local artist profiles.

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