OHSOTO’KINO is an Indigenous programming initiative focusing on three elements: creation of new music in National Music Centre’s recording studios, artist development through a music incubator program, and exhibitions via the annually updated Speak Up! gallery.
With support from TD, and building on the groundwork already laid in previous years, 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. OHSOTO’KINO is a Blackfoot phrase, which means ‘to recognize a voice of.’ This title acknowledges the Blackfoot people and the territory on which National Music Centre resides. NMC’s National Indigenous Programming Advisory Committee will lead the direction of the initiative designed to forge stronger bridges of understanding between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.
The OHSOTO’KINO Recording Bursary program is open to First Nations, Métis, and Inuit artists. NMC will provide access to its world-class recording studios and “living collection” of musical instruments, which spans 450 years of technical innovation. Indigenous artists will have the opportunity to ‘use history to make history.’ Two submissions — one for contemporary music, one for traditional genres — will be awarded a one-week recording session at Studio Bell to produce a commercial release.
Applications are now open for the 2024 OHSOTO’KINO Recording Bursary program. The deadline to apply is midnight on Sunday, January 7, 2024 (MST).
You can apply here!
