Artists from Manitoba Participate in 2025 International Indigenous Music Summit

Six artists from Manitoba will participate in the 2025 International Indigenous Music Summit (IIMS), taking place from June 2 to 6 in Toronto.

Artists from Manitoba will showcase as part of IIMS’ Behaazhid E-Niigaanzijig: Soaring Together as Leaders, including award-winning country/Americana singer/songwriter Jade Turner, avant-pop artist KWIAT, Blind music producer and recording artist Mattmac, roots/rock musician Mitchell Makoons, and DJ The Kaptain, who will also speak on a panel during the conference portion, as will Sirius XM host/producer Kim Wheeler. Edmonton-based fiddler Alex Kusturok will also performer.

The Indigenous Music Development Program (IMDP) at Manitoba Music will present a showcase at the TD Music Hall on June 3 featuring Turner and Makoons along with singer/songwriters Kutcha Edwards from Australia and Pako from the Atikamekw Community of Manawan. 

“I’m excited to return to the International Indigenous Music Summit, which has created such an important and transformative space for Indigenous music communities and bridges across the industry,” says Cassidy Mann, the Indigenous Music Development Coordinator at Manitoba Music. “We’re grateful for the opportunity to support the artists from Manitoba as they build their careers and connections, and for a chance to hear from and learn from such an incredible group of artists, industry pros, and community leaders.”

The IIMS is the largest global event dedicated to celebrating, creating awareness, sharing resources, and building opportunities for the Indigenous music community. IIMS 2025 will empower Indigenous artists through ceremony, connection, and dialogue, fostering opportunities to strengthen relationships within the Indigenous music community and the mainstream industry.

The IMDP was launched in 2004 to support First Nation, Inuit, and Métis artists and music companies to develop sustainable careers in the music industry. The program delivers projects and services that respond to the needs of the industry as identified by a steering committee. The IMDP is supported by the Province of Manitoba, Manitoba Film & Music, and FACTOR and Canada’s private radio broadcasters.

Schedule

Opening Night Reception
Monday, June 2 / 6 - 7:00 PM at TD Music Hall
Featuring The Kaptain 

Opening Gala
Monday, June 2 / 7:00 PM to 10:30 PM at TD Music Hall
Featuring Alex Kusturok 

Official Showcase Presented by Indigenous Music
Tuesday, June 3 / 6:30 - 9:30 PM at TD Music Hall
Featuring Jade Turner and Mitchell Makoons 

Between Sky and Earth: Indigenous Expressions Beyond the Binary
Wednesday, June 4 / 3:15 - 4:15 PM at Allied Music Centre - 3rd Floor Lobby
Featuring The Kaptain (Speaker)

Medicine for Identity, Sovereignty, and Belonging: Upholding Our Traditional Laws and Teachings
Thursday, June 5 / 12 - 1:30 PM at TD Music Hall
Featuring Kim Wheeler (Moderator)

Official Showcase: Universal Music Canada
Thursday, June 5 / 2 - 4:30 PM at Universal Music Canada, The Academy
Featuring KWIAT 

Official Showcase: Closing Night Party 
Friday, June 6 / 7 - 10:30 PM at TD Music Hall
Featuring Mattmac