Calgary’s National Music Center (NMC) museum and performance venue has partnered with TD Bank to launch OHSOTO’KINO, an initiative to create additional opportunities for Indigenous artists to record music and develop production skills.

“This new program stream is another example of how the National Music Center is delivering on its national commitment to reconciliation through music,” NMC President and CEO Andrew Mosker said in a statement. communicated.

“As the birthplace of music in Canada, NMC recognizes that the music of Indigenous artists is an essential verse in Canadian song. With the generous support of TD, we hope to propel the careers of Indigenous artists by creating opportunities and providing a platform to share their musical traditions and diverse perspectives.

OHSOTO’KINO is a pied-noir expression which means “to recognize the voice of”. The CMN resides in the territory of the Pieds-Noirs.

TD already supports the Speak Up! from NMC! annual exhibition at Studio Bell — featuring Indigenous artists with social and political impact across Canada, such as Buffy Sainte-Marie and Tanya Tagaq — and OHSOTO’KINO is another indicator of the financial institution’s commitment.

“TD shares NMC’s vision of amplifying Indigenous voices and sharing their stories to educate and encourage positive change,” said Robert Ghazal, Senior Vice President of TD Banking Branches in the Prairies region of a statement.

“We know that music has the power to inspire, connect and light up our communities. This is why the OHSOTO-KINO initiative is important for the development of Indigenous artists and the creation of music that can help unite communities and foster reconciliation among Canadians. It is also a vital way to introduce Canadians to the next generation of talented musicians from Indigenous communities. »

The OHSOTO’KINO program takes a three-pronged approach to increasing opportunities for Indigenous artists; recording new music at NMC’s studios, developing artists through an incubator program, and exhibiting at the annual Speak Up! Gallery.

The CNM will provide Indigenous artists with access to world-class recording studios and musical instruments through their OHSOTO’KINO Recording Fellowship. The CNM Indigenous Programming Advisory Committee will select one contemporary music app and one traditional music app for a week-long recording session at Studio Bell and later, a suitable commercial release.

In addition to registration assistance, the NMC will begin sending applications for the OHSOTO’KINO Indigenous Music Incubator. The week-long course will provide training and career advice for Indigenous music leaders on how to grow their fan base and brand.

Applications are now open at studiobell.ca/ohsotokino. The scholarship application deadline is February 23, 2022 at 11:59 p.m. MT. The grant is open to all First Nations, Métis and Inuit artists.

“The OHSOTO’KINO initiative acknowledges and acknowledges the immense contributions of Indigenous communities to our country through music,” said David McLeod (Pine Creek First Nation member in Treaty 1), Advisory Committee Co-Chair nationally on NMC’s Indigenous programming. “Through this, we hope to inspire and spark dialogue, understanding and progress in our society, and expand the horizons of Indigenous music in Canada.

The next group of Indigenous artists to be part of Speak Up! will be announced in the days leading up to National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21, 2022.