Celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day with free admission at Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre.
On June 21, National Music Centre will host a free live event, hosted by David McLeod, curator of the Speak Up! exhibit, featuring performances by Tudjaat, whose work throughout mid-1990s was instrumental in reconnecting many young Inuit to their culture; Black Crow Funk, the country, folk, and blues project of Métis singer-songwriter Jody Funk; and techno/electronic artist sean beaver, who incorporates pow wow elements, percussion, and vocal chants into his high-energy hybrid sets of live loops and originally produced music. Visitors can also explore an Indigenous vendor market, and five floors of exhibitions, including Speak Up! at no cost.
Admission to Studio Bell is free for everyone on June 21.
About Tudjaat
Tudjaat are Madeleine Allakariallak and Phoebe Atagotaaluk, two Inuit women from Nunavut, Canada who are keeping the ancient tradition of Inuit throat singing alive. Tudjaat got its start when Madelaine, who performed as part of a backup chorus with Susan Aglukark's third album, was noticed by its producer, Randall Prescott. When he learned that she had a cousin who was also a throat singer, he arranged to have them brought together for a recording session which combined their traditional singing and modern music. The project featured "Kajusita (When My Ship Comes In)," a song which won its producer the 1997 American Indian Film Institute Awards Best Song award, was included on a United Nations compilation CD, and was made into a music video. The song, which describes the forced exile of a group of Inuit to the High Arctic in the last century, is a painful and poignant tribute to those who suffered and died as a consequence of a questionable government decision.
About sean beaver
sean beaver is a multi-award-winning Indigenous techno/electronic artist based in Calgary, Alberta, originally from Driftpile Cree Nation in Treaty 8 Territory, and is currently nominated for two YYC Music Awards: Indigenous Artist of the Year and World/Cultural Recording of the Year. Known for his high-energy hybrid performances that blend live looping, original electronic production, Pow Wow elements, percussion, and vocal chants, his sound has been compared to a fusion of The Chemical Brothers and Richie Hawtin. Deeply connected to his Indigenous heritage and sober since 2006, sean was also a founding member of the pioneering Indigenous hip-hop group REDDNATION from 2002–2013 before returning to his electronic roots as a solo artist. Since then, he has independently released several albums, including his 2024 release The Temperance. A self-taught producer and performer with a background in radio broadcasting, sean combines years of experimentation, technical skill, and creative evolution into his music and live shows. His latest single, “I’m Ok,” is out now.
About Black Crow Funk
Black Crow Funk is the music project of Jody Funk, a Métis singer songwriter rooted in the western prairie plains. Her music blends folk, country and blues with raw, poetic storytelling. Her upcoming six song EP, Boiling Bones, is an intimate collection exploring resilience, love, and loss. She collaborates with Scott Baird, whose ethereal guitar textures deepen the emotional pull of her songs.
About OHSOTO’KINO
OHSOTO’KINO is a Blackfoot phrase meaning ‘to recognize a voice of.’ This Indigenous programming initiative focuses on three elements: creation of new music in NMC’s recording studios, artist development through a music incubator program, and exhibitions via the annually updated Speak Up! gallery. With support from TD, NMC is creating more opportunities for Indigenous artists to produce new music and develop their skills, and continuing to amplify the stories of Indigenous musicians and their contributions to Canadian culture. NMC’s National Indigenous Programming Advisory Committee leads the direction of the initiative designed to forge stronger bridges of understanding between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.
About Speak Up!
With the support of TD Bank Group, the award-winning Speak Up! exhibit showcases trailblazing Indigenous artists who have made a lasting impact on culture through music. Through storytelling, immersive audio, and personal artifacts, Speak Up! invites visitors to explore how these artists are using their voices to spark dialogue, inspire change, and share what it means to be First Nations, Métis, and Inuit in Canada. Stay tuned for the latest additions for 2026.
National Indigenous Peoples Day at Studio Bell is made possible with support from TD and the City of Calgary.
