On National Indigenous Peoples Day, we recognize and celebrate the history, heritage, resilience, and diversity of First Nations, Inuit and Métis across Canada. Throughout the day on Saturday, June 21, you will hear special CKUA programming to honour National Indigenous Peoples Day.
We also spoke with one innovative performer ahead of her free live concert celebrating the day.
Beatrice Deer is an Inuk and Mohawk singer, songwriter, composer, artist, designer and advocate.
She’ll soon be in Calgary sharing her gifts from the Studio Bell stage, part of the National Music Centre’s recognition of National Indigenous Peoples Day.
It’s an important day, says Deer. “It means the rest of Canada gets to learn about our different cultures and celebrate it with us.”
Born and raised in Quaqtaq, a small village in Nunavik, Quebec, she has won numerous awards for her self-described “Inuindie” (ie. Inuit indie) music. These include an Indigenous Music Award, a Canadian Folk Music Award and a Canadian Screen Award for her work co-composing the score for the film Giant Bear.
She says she is looking forward to bringing her sound to the Studio Bell stage. “I merge traditional Inuit throat singing sounds and stories with music that my incredible bandmates create with me. It’s not music you hear often,” she says.
“I love the unique way we sing and it’s specific to our culture,” she says. “I love the technical challenge of throat singing. They are sounds humans make that are audibly intriguing.”
She’s been open about the many battles she’s overcome in life and about the trauma she’s endured as an Inuk person in Canada. Today she advocates for the physical and mental health of her people.
When we connected with her, she was in Kuujjuaq, Quebec, facilitating at an Inuit School counsellor’s training week. “I facilitate grief support and healing workshops from time to time,” she says, “so that’s why I’m here.”
On the horizon for Deer is a new album, with the theme of Inuit legends. Including mostly Inuktitut with English, it will include one song in French. The plan is for it to be released in the fall of this year.
More details on Deer’s performance on National Indigenous Peoples Day can be found here.
And, you can tune in to Alberta Morning, Friday, June 20, at 7:30am to hear Deer join Grant Stovel for a 30-Minute DJ set. No spoilers here, but we hear she will share an eclectic assortment of favourites, ranging from Elisapie to Lady Gaga.
You can also catch the following special broadcasts to celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day.
Alberta Morning with host Grant Stovel
Thursday, June 19, 6am – 9am MT
Join Grant Stovel for Alberta Morning. Guest Adrian Sutherland will share how growing up on the shores of James Bay in the Attawapiskat First Nation help shape the way he approaches sharing his music. He received a JUNO nomination for his latest solo album Precious Diamonds. He will also talk about his upcoming book, The Work of Our Hands: A Cree Meditation in the Real World.
Discoveries with host Leo Cripps
Thursday, June 19, 9am – 11am MT
Leo Cripps has music to share by Blue Moon Marquee, The Jerry Cans, Brianna Lizotte, Tia Wood, Iskwe & Tom Wilson, William Prince, and more.
The Upload with host Kate Stevens
Thursday, June 19, 11am – 1pm MT
Join Kate Stevens as she welcomes her guest, Wyatt C. Louis. They’ll talk about that Polaris Prize nomination, upcoming shows, and more. Plus, Kate has so much good music to share by Indigenous artists!
Thoroughfare with host Tony King
Thursday, June 19, 1pm – 3pm MT
Join Tony King for a program that includes music by Indigenous artists who either live in, or were raised in, Alberta.
Alberta Morning with host Grant Stovel
Friday, June 20, 6am – 9am MT
Join Grant Stovel for Alberta Morning. His guest will be Beatrice Deer, who will share music choices as a 30-minute DJ! He’ll also be in conversation with Aysanabee, whose new album is called Edge of the Earth.
This Just In with host Amy van Keeken
Friday, June 20, 9am – 11am MT
Join Amy van Keeken and her guest co-host, Kerry Clarke. The program will be live from the Calgary Foundation CKUA Studio, and you’ll hear music by Tashiina Buswa, The North Sound led by Forrest Eaglespeaker, Aysanabee, and more.
Traffic Jams with host Lisa Wilton
Friday, June 20, 3pm – 6pm MT
Join Lisa Wilton for a program that includes music by Bebe Buckskin, Aysanabee, Ghostkeeper, Adrian Sutherland, Jay Gilday, Terry Uyarak, The North Sound, Elisapie, and more. Lisa will also joined by Siksika Nation trio, Double Rider, in a 30-minute DJ segment.
The Wild Card with host Jasmine Vickaryous
Friday, June 20, 6pm – 7pm MT
Join Jasmine Vickaryous for a program that celebrates National Indigenous Peoples Day with a lineup of incredible country and folk artists. From the heartfelt ballads of Wyatt C. Louis and Richard Inman to the prairie poetry of William Prince, we’re tipping our hats to the storytellers who carry tradition through every note.
Classical Connections with guest host Joe Hartfeil
Saturday, June 21, 6am – 8am MT
Joe Hartfeil is your guest host and you’ll hear music by Indigenous artists such as composer-conductor Andrew Balfour, cellist Cris Derksen, and flutist Jessica McMann.
The Wake-Up Shake-Up with host Keri Rak
Saturday, June 21, 8am – 10am MT
Keri Rak shares music by Elisapie, Ruby Waters, Digging Roots, Julian Taylor, and more Indigenous artists.
Wide Cut Country with host Allison Brock
Saturday, June 21, 10am – noon MT
Join Allison Brock for a program that includes tunes by Robbie Robertson, Richard Inman, Kyle McKearney, Kim Beggs, Adrian Sutherland, Julian Taylor, Keith Secola, Tom Wilson, Our Native Daughters, William Prince, and Redbone.
Get On the Good Foot with host Dawn Pemberton
Saturday, June 21, 1pm – 3pm MT
Hear soul and funk by Indigenous artists from Canada and around the world. Dawn Pemberton has music to share by Digging Roots, Shawnee Kish, Hayley Wallis, Sebastian Gaskin, and David Morin.
Mulligan Stew with host Terry David Mulligan
Saturday, June 21, 5pm – 7pm MT
Hear music by Celeigh Cardinal, William Prince, Burnstick, Adrian Sutherland, Tom Wilson, Julian Taylor, Reuben and the Bullhorn Singers, and more.
Open Nights with host Mark Rodgers
Saturday, June 21, 9pm – midnight MT
Mark Rodgers is working on an all-Indigenous playlist. Hear music by Redbone, The Johnny, Iron Tusk, Bebe Buckskin, Lazarush, Digawolf, sean beaver, and more.
Catch and Release with host Kerry Clarke
Monday, June 23, 6pm – 8pm MT
Hear music by Indigenous artists from Canada and around the world when Kerry Clarke hosts Catch and Release.
If you missed any of these programs or want to listen again, you can find them OnDemand for a week after the original broadcast.
“Mother” from Beatrice Deer’s album SHIFTING:
