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Unreserved

Indigenous trailblazers: legendary musicians, up and coming acts carving a path in the arts

Earlier this year, Rosanna was invited to the Megaphono Festival in Ottawa, to host a panel called Indigenous Trailblazers: Carving Paths Through Tradition.
CBC Radio ·
Rosanna hosted Indigenous Trailblazers: Carving Paths Through Tradition at the Megaphono music festival in Ottawa. On the panel were veteran musicians Alanis Obomsawin, Dr. Duke Redbird and Willy Mitchell. (Stephanie Cram/CBC)

This episode originally aired on May 27, 2018.

Earlier this year, Rosanna was invited to the Megaphono Festival in Ottawa, to host a panel called Indigenous Trailblazers: Carving Paths Through Tradition at the National Arts Centre.

On the panel, legends like Willy Mitchell, Alanis Obomsawin, Dr. Duke Redbird and Leland Bell, sat alongside up and coming musicians like Jeremy Dutcher, Leanne Simpson, Cody Coyote and Melody McKiver. 

Veteran Indigenous musician sat alongside up and coming artists in a lively discussion about music, politics and the issues impacting Indigenous communities today. (Stephanie Cram/CBC)
They were there to talk about music, the arts, politics and issues facing Indigenous communities today. 

Many of the artists later performed onstage at the National Arts Centre, as part of the Native North America Gathering concert, which was a collaboration with music historian Kevin Howes, who in 2014 released the compilation, Native North America Vol. 1.  

This week on Unreserved, we bring you their stories and music. 

Musicians Willy Mitchell, Eric Landry, Leland Bell and Willie Thrasher warming up backstage at the Megaphono concert, Native North America Gathering. The event brought together the legendary musicians with up and coming Indigenous musicians. (Stephanie Cram/CBC)

This week's playlist: 

Willy Mitchell - Birchbark Letter 

Melody McKiver - Naanan

Jeremy Dutcher - Mehcinut 

Leanne Simpson - Constellation 

Cody Coyote - Don't Give Up 

Alanis Obomsawin - Odana

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