Cris Derksen facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Cris Derksen
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Derksen in 2009
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| Born | 1981 Mackenzie County, Alberta, Canada
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| Died | (aged 45) Near Athabasca County, Alberta, Canada
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| Alma mater | University of British Columbia (Bachelor of Music) |
| Occupation | Musician |
Cris Derksen (1981 – May 15, 2026) was a talented Canadian Cree cellist and composer. She came from Northern Alberta and was known for her unique music. Cris Derksen blended classical sounds with traditional Indigenous music. Her style was often called "electronic cello" or a mix of classical and traditional music. She was also nominated for a Juno Award, which is a big honor in Canadian music.
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Cris Derksen: A Talented Musician
Early Life and Musical Journey
Cris Derksen was born in 1981. She grew up in Northern Alberta and had both Cree and Mennonite family roots. From a young age, Cris trained in classical music. She attended the Victoria School for the Performing Arts in Edmonton.
Later, Cris studied at the University of British Columbia. She earned a Bachelor of Music in Cello Performance. While there, she was the main cellist for the UBC Symphony Orchestra. Cris Derksen passed away on May 15, 2026, at the age of 45.
A Career Blending Sounds
In 2009, Cris Derksen worked as a curator at the Vancouver East Cultural Centre. She traveled all over the world to perform her music. Her travels took her to countries like Germany, France, Spain, Norway, and the United States.
Cris performed with many different artists and groups. She played alongside the Beat Nation Live Collective, Kanye West, Kinnie Starr, and Tanya Tagaq. She also performed with traditional powwow groups, bringing her unique sound to many stages.
Collaborations and Projects
In 2015, Cris Derksen released her album, Orchestral Powwow Project. She worked with Tribal Spirit Powwow, an independent record label, to create it. For this project, Cris used their collection of powwow music. She wove traditional sounds into her own compositions.
Also in 2015, Cris received guidance from the famous American musician Buffy Sainte-Marie. This mentorship was part of a grant from the Ontario Arts Council. In 2017, Cris Derksen performed at a big meeting for the Canada Council for the Arts. She played with her trio, which included drummer Jesse Baird and dancer Nimkii Osawamick.
Creative Commissions
In 2019, the Art Gallery of Ontario asked Cris Derksen to create a new choral piece. This music was inspired by an art exhibition there. That same year, she composed Maada’ookii Songlines. This was a choral work that featured 200 singers for the Luminato festival.
Cris Derksen also took part in a performance piece called Ikummagialiit in 2019. She worked with Christine Tootoo and Jamie Griffiths. This piece was created for the National Gallery of Canada as part of an exhibition on Indigenous art. In 2020, Cris performed as part of a special broadcast on CBC Gem.
Musical Works and Compositions
Albums by Cris Derksen
Cris Derksen released several albums during her career:
- The Cusp (2010)
- The Collapse (May 2013)
- Orchestral Powwow Project (2015)
- The Visit (2025)
Music for Films and Shows
Cris Derksen also composed music for many films and television shows:
- People of a Feather (feature film, 2011)
- TransMigration (Kaha:wi Dance Company, 2012)
- 8th Fire soundtrack (CBC Television mini-series, 2012)
- Sound design for two plays for the Weesageechak Festival (2014)
- Treading Water, documentary (2014)
- The Pass System (2015)
- Taken, TV series introduction (2016)
- Re-Quickening, Kaha:wi Dance Company (2016)
- Rise, Viceland series (2017)
- Kiinalik: These Sharp Tools with Evalyn Parry (2017)
- Kamloopa (2018)
- Maada’ookii Songlines (2019)
- Rebellion, commissioned by the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra.
- British Columbia: An Untold History (documentary series, 2021)
- The Well (feature film, 2025)
Recognitions and Awards
Cris Derksen received many awards and nominations for her musical talents:
- In 2018, she won a Dora Mavor Moore Award for Outstanding Sound Design/Composition. This was for her work with Evalyn Parry on Kiinalik: These Sharp Tools.
- She was nominated for an Indigenous Music Award in 2017.
- In 2016, she was nominated for a Juno Award for Instrumental Album of the Year.
- She received First Tracks funding in 2012.
- In 2011, she was nominated for an Aboriginal Peoples Choice Music Award for best new artist and best instrumental album.
- She won a Canadian Aboriginal Music Award for Instrumental Album of the Year in 2011.
- She was nominated for a Western Canadian Music Award in 2011.
- In 2009, she was recognized as a rising star by the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network.
See also
