A new organization in Saskatchewan is working to bring tools and resources to Indigenous artists, giving them the opportunity to share their creations within the music industry.
The Saskatchewan Indigenous Music Association (SIMA) is a non-profit organization that supports, promotes and advocates for Saskatchewan-based Indigenous artists and groups.
Donnie Parenteau, president of SIMA, said, “What we’re going to do is just be an advisory group organization.” “A place to come if you’re Indigenous and not sure what to do.
“You won’t be sitting there in the dark anymore.”
SIMA will soon have 10 board members helping singers and songwriters in Saskatchewan advance their careers as musicians. They have been building the union for more than a year.
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“After so long being misrepresented, or not represented at all, it’s nice.”
From Tyson’s experience, he sees Indigenous artists as an underrepresented group in the industry.
“We have a really hard time getting places, getting nominations for other award shows, we have a hard time getting on radio. Thank god there are specific radio stations that play indigenous music otherwise not many of us are played
Sima is excited to host an Indigenous Music Awards show in October, hoping artists will get more recognition for sharing their music.
“It’s just the beginning, I can tell you that,” Parenteau said after the show’s official announcement.
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Parenteau is looking to be broadly inclusive with nominations and helping Indigenous artists.
“When it comes to music, you will be able to qualify and be a part of it. The more we work together, the stronger we are.”
Tyson explained that for up-and-coming artists, experiences on a resume like nominations and awards are really important.
Tyson said, “I know a lot of people in Saskatchewan who are just making great art, Indigenous and non-Indigenous.” “That being said, I think we should all have equal opportunities.”
Most award ceremonies only offer one or two categories that recognize indigenous music.
“It’s just a matter of getting the word out there,” Parenteau said.
“I would love to see some young person come forward at age 12, and by the time they are 20, everybody in Canada knows them. When they look back and win that first big prize in Canada admit and are asked where they got their start, I want them to say it was the Saskatchewan Indigenous Music Association,” said Parenteau. “That’s why I want to do this.”
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