List of Indigenous musicians in Canada facts for kids
This page is a list of amazing Indigenous musicians in Canada. These talented artists are Indigenous people from Canada. This includes First Nations people, Inuit, and Métis artists. They play many different kinds of music, including Indigenous music of Canada.

Contents
Blues Music
Blues music often tells stories through powerful vocals and guitar. It has deep roots in American history. Many Indigenous musicians in Canada share their stories through this style.
- Blue Moon Marquee (Métis)
- Celeigh Cardinal (Métis)
- G. R. Gritt (Métis)
- Jani Lauzon (Métis)
- Quantum Tangle (Inuit)
- Crystal Shawanda (Ojibwe Potawatomi)
Classical Music
Classical music includes orchestras, operas, and chamber music. It often uses traditional instruments like violins and pianos. These Indigenous artists bring their unique voices to this art form.
- Timothy Archambault (Kichesipirini Algonquin First Nation), a composer and flautist
- Andrew Balfour
- John Kim Bell (Kahnawake Mohawk), a conductor, pianist, and composer
- Ian Cusson
- Cris Derksen
- Jeremy Dutcher (Wolastoqiyik)
- Akina Shirt (Cree), a choral vocalist
DJs and Electronic Music
DJs (Disc Jockeys) create music using turntables and other electronic gear. They often mix different songs and sounds. These artists bring modern beats to the music scene.
Country and Folk Music
Country and folk music often tell stories about everyday life. They use instruments like guitars, banjos, and fiddles. Canadian fiddling is a popular style in Canada.
- Aasiva (Inuk), an indie folk singer-songwriter
- Susan Aglukark, ᓲᓴᓐ ᐊᒡᓘᒃᑲᖅ, an Inuit folk, country, and pop singer
- Arlette Alcock (Métis)
- Don Amero (Métis)
- John Arcand (Métis)
- Jason Burnstick (Plains Cree)
- Celeigh Cardinal (Métis)
- Vern Cheechoo (Cree)
- Andy de Jarlis (Métis)
- Beatrice Deer (Inuk)
- Willie Dunn (Mi'kmaq)
- Ferron (Métis)
- Nadia Gaudet (Métis)
- Becky Han (Inuk)
- Joshua Haulli (Inuk)
- Lawrence "Teddy Boy" Houle (Métis)
- Tom Jackson (One Arrow Cree)
- The Jerry Cans (Inuit)
- Berk Jodoin (Métis)
- Simeonie Keenainak (Inuk)
- Jess Lee (Métis)
- Lawrence "Wapistan" Martin (Cree)
- Kyle McKearney (Métis)
- Charlie Panigoniak (Inuk)
- William Prince (Oji-Cree)
- Tumasi Quissa (Inuk)
- Amanda Rheaume (Métis)
- Crystal Shawanda (Ojibwe Potawatomi)
- Morgan Toney (Mi'kmaq)
- Billy Thunderkloud & the Chieftones (Gitksan)
- Terry Uyarak (Inuk)
- Laura Vinson (Métis)
Inuit Traditional Music
This section includes artists who perform throat singing. Throat singing is a special vocal art form. It is often done by two women. They make sounds together using their throats and breathing.
- Susan Aglukark, ᓲᓴᓐ ᐊᒡᓘᒃᑲᖅ, an Inuit folk, country, and pop singer
- Madeleine Allakariallak (Inuk)
- Susan Avingaq (Inuk)
- The Jerry Cans (Inuit)
- Ruben Komangapik (Inuk)
- Shina Novalinga (Inuk)
- Quantum Tangle (Inuit)
- Riit, also Rita Claire Mike-Murphy (Inuk)
- Alacie Tullaugaq (Inuk)
Jazz Music
Jazz music is known for its improvisation and lively rhythms. It often features instruments like saxophones, trumpets, and pianos.
Opera Music
Opera is a type of play where the story is told mostly through singing. It combines music, drama, and sometimes dance.
- Joanna Burt (Métis/Saugeen Ojibway descent)
Pop and Rock Music
Pop and rock music are very popular and often have catchy melodies. They use electric guitars, drums, and keyboards. These artists bring their Indigenous perspectives to these modern sounds.
- Anachnid (Oji-Cree, Mi'kmaq)
- Aysanabee (Oji-Cree)
- Beatrice Deer (Inuk)
- Digging Roots (Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee)
- Elisapie (Inuk)
- Kelly Fraser (Inuk)
- Lucie Idlout (Inuk)
- iskwē (Métis)
- The Jerry Cans (Inuit)
- Quantum Tangle (Inuit)
- Riit, also Rita Claire Mike-Murphy (Inuk)
- Robbie Robertson (Mohawk)
- Leanne Betasamosake Simpson (Mississauga Nishnaabeg)
- Sister Ray (Métis)
- Logan Staats (Mohawk)
- Leonard Sumner (Anishinaabe)
- Tanya Tagaq (Inuk)
- Julian Taylor (Mohawk)
- Willie Thrasher (Inuk)
- Twin Flames (Mohawk, Inuit, Métis, Algonquin, Cree)
- Ruby Waters (Métis)
- Tom Wilson (Mohawk)
- Jayli Wolf (Saulteau)
- Terry Uyarak (Inuk)
Powwow Music
Powwow music is an important part of Indigenous culture. It is played at powwows, which are gatherings for dancing, singing, and celebrating. The music often features drums and powerful vocals.
- Fawn Wood (Cree, Salish)
- Northern Cree (Plains Cree)
- Black Bear Singers (Atikamekw)
- Young Spirit (Cree)
Rap and Hip Hop Music
Rap and hip hop music use rhythmic spoken words (rapping) over a beat. It often shares stories and messages about life and culture.
- Boslen
- Digawolf (Dene, Tłı̨chǫ)
- JB the First Lady (Nuxalk, Onondaga)
- The Halluci Nation (Mohawk)
- Hyper-T (Inuk)
- Wab Kinew (Anishinaabe)
- Samian (Algonquin)
- Silla + Rise (Inuit)
- Snotty Nose Rez Kids (Haisla)
- Kinnie Starr (Mohawk)
- Joey Stylez (Ojibwe)
See also
- Indigenous music of North America
- List of Native American musicians, United States
- List of First Nations peoples
- Category:First Nations musicians
- Category:Inuit musicians
- Category:Métis musicians