Mohawk musician Shawnee Kish expresses joy when fans appreciate her track “No Evil” featured on the popular series “North of North” on APTN, CBC, and Netflix. The vibrant pop rock anthem is showcased in the third episode of the show, following the life of a modern Inuk woman named Siaja as she embraces motherhood and a new career post-divorce.
Kish, a Juno Award nominee for contemporary Indigenous artist/group, is pleased that her music is being discovered through a show promoting female empowerment. The series also highlights other Juno nominees like Inuit throat singing duo PIQSIQ and Haisla hip-hop pair Snotty Nose Rez Kids.
“North of North” creators Stacey Aglok MacDonald and Alethea Arnaquq-Baril, both Inuk, emphasize the significance of Indigenous representation in the show’s soundtrack. The collaboration with Netflix has broadened the series’ global audience, fostering excitement about featuring Indigenous artists.
The diverse soundtrack combines pop, rock, throat singing, and Inuktitut covers of popular tunes, curated with intention by music supervisor Michael Perlmutter. This fusion of traditional and contemporary music is gaining recognition at the Juno Awards, with Indigenous artists receiving nominations in mainstream categories.
Indigenous music industry leaders like Alan Greyeyes stress the importance of recognition within and outside Indigenous categories, advocating for a more nuanced representation of Indigenous music traditions. They believe that such acknowledgment contributes to cultural revitalization and creates opportunities for future Indigenous artists.
Melody McKiver, an Anishinaabe musician and academic, highlights the role of music in facilitating discussions about Indigenous history and resilience. They emphasize the ongoing evolution of Indigenous music in Canada and the vital support that film and TV placements provide for Indigenous artists.
Kish, a three-time Juno nominee, aims to utilize her platform to create inclusive spaces for Indigenous artists, encouraging them to embrace their identities and talents. She envisions a future where Indigenous voices are valued and celebrated for their unique contributions to the music industry.