Mohawk musician Shawnee Kish expresses her excitement when fans appreciate her track “No Evil,” featured on the popular series “North of North” broadcasted on APTN, CBC, and Netflix. The dynamic pop rock anthem is showcased in the third episode, focusing on the life of Siaja, a contemporary Inuk woman dealing with motherhood and a career change post a public separation from her spouse.
Kish, a Juno Award nominee in the contemporary Indigenous artist or group category, is delighted that her music is being discovered through a show centered on female empowerment and resilience.
The show’s soundtrack also highlights the talents of fellow Juno nominees PIQSIQ, a duo of Inuit throat singers, and Snotty Nose Rez Kids, a hip-hop pair from the Haisla community. This exposure on a global platform like “North of North” enables Indigenous artists to share their authentic narratives, educate audiences on Indigenous culture and history, and pave the way for future creators.
Stacey Aglok MacDonald, co-creator and executive producer of “North of North,” expresses her astonishment at the positive reception of the series and its soundtrack. The inclusive approach of featuring Indigenous artists on a mainstream platform like Netflix has been a significant milestone for showcasing Indigenous talents to a broader audience.
The show’s eclectic soundtrack blends various genres and includes renditions of popular songs in Inuktitut, such as covers of hits like “Time After Time,” “Levitating,” and “Ave Maria.” Music supervisor Michael Perlmutter emphasizes the emotive power of music as a universal language that transcends barriers of understanding.
The blending of traditional and contemporary music, as seen in “North of North,” is gaining recognition at prestigious events like the Juno Awards. Indigenous artists are increasingly being acknowledged beyond specific Indigenous music categories, showcasing their versatility and talent across diverse music genres.
The acknowledgment of Indigenous artists both within and outside dedicated categories at events like the Junos holds significance in celebrating and promoting Indigenous talent. These platforms offer opportunities for cultural revitalization, broader visibility, and the sharing of Indigenous stories, contributing to a richer and more inclusive music landscape.
In closing, Indigenous music in Canada continues to evolve, reflecting the diverse cultural heritage and contemporary influences of Indigenous creators. Artists like Shawnee Kish aspire to create spaces where Indigenous voices and narratives can thrive, inspiring future generations of Indigenous artists to embrace their identity and share their unique stories with the world.