Marek Tyler (nêhiyaw/Scottish) lives and works in amiskwacîy (Edmonton) on Treaty 6 territory. Marek is an educator, entrepreneur, project liaison, manager, facilitator, and touring musician.
Marek earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Simon Fraser University. He is known for his work with cultural, education, and entrepreneurial initiatives including, performing with nêhiyawak, The Witness Blanket – A National Monument to Residential School Survivors; project managing The Spirit Pole – North American Indigenous Games; and conducting Community-based research for the Indigenous non-profit sector. Currently, Marek is documenting his family’s cultural protocols in contemporary art.
What are three go-to songs that inspire Marek?
"Storm" by Godspeed You! Black Emperor
"BITM" by Leikeli47
"God Is Alive, Magic Is Afoot" by Buffy Sainte-Marie
What is an interesting detail you might not know about Marek?
Marek loves playing sports, all sports, even curling.
takahki
Marek Tyler asked his mom, Linda Young, for a nêhiyaw (Cree) word for a new radio show shining a light on Indigenous music from around the world. She asked, "what's the vibe?" He answered, "Indigenous, contemporary, celebratory, and exciting." She gave him the word, "takahki". She said, "It can be used as an adjective as in takahkisikaw—it’s great day! or takahkinakwan—that looks good. Or takahktocikan—great music. But the show itself could be called takahki—good, nice, beautiful. takahki can stand alone quite nicely."
