Highlighting Canadian Indigenous Musicians

Meet these Indigenous musicians who will effortlessly brighten even the longest of days.

Illustration: Sydney Hanson

I used to roll my eyes every time I would get in the car and the radio was set to CBC Music, that is until I actually listened to the station for more than five minutes this past summer. Working on a boat eight hours a day for two months straight taking sediment samples over and over can become quite a monotonous task. To combat the boat boredom and fatigue, we would often flip through the five radio stations we get in my hometown. The most exciting part of the day would be before lunch when one coworker would pull out her speaker and turn on the CBC Music morning show. We got to listen to a variety of genres, up and coming artists, and sometimes get some background information on their journeys; it was such a nice break from the same top ten hits and obligatory 2000s Canadian tracks. On National Indigenous Peoples Day, they featured a whole segment dedicated to recent releases from Canadian Indigenous artists. I wrote an article for Muse online two years ago titled ‘Showcasing Canadian Indigenous Musicians,’ and being introduced to a new class of artists this summer inspired me to write an updated version. Keep reading to meet a few Canadian artists who will make any seemingly never-ending day pass with ease, much like they did for me this summer under the blazing sun.

Tia Wood

Originally from Saddle Lake, Alberta, and now based in Los Angeles, Tia Wood completely embodies the idea of being "born for something.” Tia’s remarkably captivating voice and incredibly clear artistic vision allows her to captivate her audience completely. It would be difficult to find someone in her family of talented musicians who did not influence her artistic journey in some form. Keeping up with the family status quo, she recently signed to Sony Music Canada as one of the first female Indigenous artists on the label. Tia began gaining traction on TikTok in the last year, where her videos quickly went viral. This prompted her to dive fully into content creation, showcasing aspects of her life, her experiences as an Indigenous woman, and the development of her upcoming projects. Her most recent track at the time, “Dirt Roads,” caught my attention when I heard it on CBC Radio, with its RnB influences and brass-heavy instrumental that perfectly complimented Tia’s soothing voice singing about her journey of moving to LA from her hometown. If you enjoy the sounds of artists similar to Daniel Caesar, Kali Uchis, and The Internet, Tia’s discography will fit right into your playlists. With a powerful voice and impactful lyrics, Wood delivers strong, meaningful messages through her music that resonates with broad audiences. Check out her most recent EP, released on September 27th, Pretty Red Bird. The album's smooth instrumentals and Tia’s silky vocals are guaranteed to lull you into a dream-like trance with every listen.

Jessa Sky

Jessa Sky, a Métis Cree pop singer, weaves themes of strength and empowerment into her music through deeply personal storytelling. A passionate advocate for mental health and addiction awareness, Jessa uses her platform to inspire and uplift while shedding light on important social issues. The songs on her 2024 album, SKY’S THE LIMIT, explore a journey of self-discovery and healing, resonating with listeners on an emotional level. Abraham Drum Singers open up track 8, “We’re Not Lost”, with a speech of empowerment for Indigenous listeners. They back Jessa’s emotional lyrics that together paint a picture of the resilience and growth of Indigenous communities. Jessa’s most recent ep, LOOK AT ME NOW Vol. 1, features a great mix of upbeat and heartfelt pop songs that are perfect for both late-night studying and getting ready for a night out. Jessa’s music can transcend genres and boundaries, allowing listeners to be able to see themselves within her story of discovery and empowerment.

Sister Ray

Sister Ray, the stage name of Edmonton-based singer Ella Coyes, draws deeply from traditional Métis music to understand and express their connection to the land. As a singer-songwriter and, above all, a storyteller, their music reflects a broad spectrum of cultural influences, including gospel, bluegrass, and '90s country. Sister Ray's critically acclaimed 2022 debut album, “Communion,” earned a spot on the Polaris Prize longlist, showcasing their unique artistry. Fans of Noah Kahan, Briston Maroney, and Ethel Cain will enjoy the indie folk influences on tracks such as “Crucified,” which manages to perfect the hollow, eerie feeling of contemplating life late at night. Be sure to check out their latest EP, “Teeth,” which continues to highlight their hypnotizing narrative style and rich musical roots. The standout song on the EP is“Pressing Down,” which reminds me of the melanotic and nostalgic stylings of Weyes Blood. Sister Ray’s discography displays a rare feat of perfectly meshing tradition and modernity into a visceral experience that weaves together themes of cultural and personal exploration.

Semiah

Semiah is a Mohawk artist from the Turtle Clan, who was born in Hamilton, Ontario and is now based in Toronto. She is a pop-electro R&B singer, songwriter, producer, and multidisciplinary creative. Her track “Celestial Bodies” serves as an anthem of resistance against politicians who disregard Indigenous people. She also offers gratitude and acknowledgment to her ancestors, celebrating the resilience and continuity of Indigenous cultures. Semiah began singing and dancing at a young age. She released her first song during the pandemic and has since been performing at festivals and releasing EPs. Her music incorporates teachings from her culture while drawing inspiration from a diverse range of artists, aiming to transcend being solely labelled as an Indigenous artist.

These artists are great representations of incorporating aspects of their culture and Indigeneity into all of their work. The stories of the artists and their communities are embedded into everything they produce, showing a new generation of listeners that you should be proud of where you come from. Be sure to check out the accompanying playlist for a variety of up-and-coming Canadian Indigenous artists who I think deserve more accolades.