Manitoba Music Welcomes New Indigenous Music Export Coordinator, Jade Harper

Manitoba Music is pleased to welcome its newest staff member, Jade Harper, in the role of Indigenous Music Export Coordinator.

"We’re excited to welcome Jade to the team to build this new program working with First Nation, Metis, and Inuit peoples from across Western Canada,” says Sean McManus, executive director of Manitoba Music. “Jade brings a wealth of experience and knowledge, and a deep passion and excitement for this work of helping Indigenous music communities succeed and connect to new export opportunities.”

Jade brings with her several years’ experience in program development and event management with specialized skills in the areas of communications, community mobilization, engagement, and marketing. As a Cree and Anishinaabe woman originally from Peguis First Nations (Treaty 1), Jade incorporates her ancestral culture into her work to ensure that the processes she facilitates are celebratory and respectful of Indigenous communities and peoples. She has been a longtime volunteer with the Indigenous Music Awards and in the recent years was employed as the Red Carpet Coordinator. Jade has dedicated both her professional and community life to supporting the success and wellbeing of Indigenous peoples and as such has worked at the local, provincial, national and international levels on issues such as education, youth capacity development, health and wellness, and violence and sexual exploitation of Indigenous women and girls. She is also an emcee, keynote speaker and facilitator, hand drummer, and traditional singer.

“I understand how important it is for us as Indigenous peoples to express our truth in our own way and I am honored to walk with Indigenous artists and companies as they lead the way in cultural reclamation and revitalization through my role at Manitoba Music,” says Jade. “I look forward to exploring together how we can continue sharing Indigenous success and music across the world.”

The Indigenous Music Export Program is a new program for Manitoba Music. Funded by the Government of Canada, the program goal is to deliver compelling and relevant programs to First Nation, Metis, and Inuit artist entrepreneurs and industry across western Canada to strengthen connections and generate opportunities for business capacity and export.

Jade Harper can be contacted at jade@manitobamusic.com, 204.942.8650.