Marcel Gagnon (musician) facts for kids

Marcel Gagnon was born on May 2, 1950. He is a talented Canadian artist who writes music, sings, and plays the guitar.

Marcel Gagnon's Life and Music

Marcel Gagnon was born in Prince George, British Columbia. He is a member of the Lheidli T'enneh Band. He grew up in a very large family, being the 16th of 20 children!

From a young age, Marcel loved music. He played at many events like dances, weddings, and private parties across British Columbia. He also performed on radio shows in both Alberta and British Columbia.

Breakthrough Album and Awards

In 2001, Marcel recorded his important album called Crazy Maker. He recorded it at the Banff Centre for the Arts. This album was so good that it was nominated for a "Best Music of Aboriginal Canada" award at the Juno Awards of 2002. The Juno Awards are like the Grammy Awards for Canadian music! Since then, he has released more albums.

Helping His Community

Marcel Gagnon is also a strong helper and leader in his community. In 2002, he joined the Board of Directors for the Whitecrow Village FASD Society. He has become a well-known supporter and guide for people who were affected by the Canadian Indian residential school system. These schools were a difficult part of Canada's past for Indigenous children.

Today, Marcel is an elder for the Lheidli T'enneh First Nation. He shares important spiritual teachings. He believes that people always face challenges, like "dark against light" or "positive versus negative." He teaches that we can learn to recognize these forces. He calls the good power inside us "Tsiyan" or "Grandfather." He says a darker force, "Bheni Hoolo," can cause struggles. Marcel teaches that we can let the stronger power of Tsiyan help us understand and overcome Bheni Hoolo's influence.

Marcel Gagnon also works with young Indigenous people who are facing difficulties with the law. He shares his program called "Awakening the Medicine Man Within." He also performs music for them, helping them find strength and guidance.

Marcel Gagnon's Albums

Here are some of the albums Marcel Gagnon has released:

• Crazy Maker, 2001
• The Watchman – Tom Crow, 2002
• Captured, 2006
• New Years Day, 2009