Winnipeg, September 28, 2023 — The Fire Keepers Indigenous Song Circle Tour is set to ignite the stage, featuring an ensemble of artists at varying levels of their careers. This dynamic tour includes multi-award-winning Indigenous artists Don Amero and Scarlett Butler, alongside emerging talents Ethan Lyric and Dale Mac. From October 10 to 19, the tour will journey across municipalities in Manitoba and Saskatchewan, promising an unforgettable musical experience.
Facilitating Access to Indigenous Artists in Manitoba’s Rural Communities
The Fire Keepers Indigenous Song Circle Tour is an initiative dedicated to assisting, inspiring, and empowering Indigenous artists from remote communities who aspire to pursue careers in music. The tour brings together accomplished Indigenous artists and emerging talents in each region. Manitoba Arts Network (MAN) has played a pivotal role in making this tour a reality as part of its mission to foster connections between Indigenous artists and communities.
“Our goal is to enable more Indigenous artists to tour rural and northern areas of Canada, with a specific focus on Manitoba,” explains Rose-Anne Harder, Executive Director of Manitoba Arts Network. “Facilitating access to artists in Manitoba’s Indigenous communities is of paramount importance to us, and we believe it’s a win-win situation for all involved.”
Kevin Korchinski, Executive Director for the Organization of Saskatchewan Arts Councils (OSAC), adds, “ As an organization who has brought Performing and Visual Arts to all areas of the province for over 50 years we are thrilled to be able to partner with MAN along with these terrific artists to bring this tour to three Indigenous communities in Saskatchewan. Thank You to Canada Council for the Arts and IPAA for the support”
Tour Dates:
October 10: Norway House, MB
October 11: Opaskwayak, MB
October 12: Wuskwi Sipihk, MB
October 13: Sapotaweyak, MB
October 17: Kindersley, SK
October 18: Whitecap Dakota Nation, SK
October 19: Kahkewistahaw, SK
Don Amero: A Leading Voice in Indigenous Music
Don Amero, a 3-time JUNO Award nominee, has captivated audiences for the past decade with his heartfelt storytelling and soulful music. His recent CCMA Award nomination for ‘Ford F-150 Album of the Year’ is a testament to his musical prowess. Beyond music, Don Amero passionately advocates for Indigenous communities and serves as the Chair of the CCMA Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee.
“This is an incredible opportunity to reach back into Indigenous communities, tell stories, sing songs, and hopefully inspire the next generation of Indigenous artists,” says Don Amero, a multi-JUNO nominee artist and songwriter.
Scarlett Butler: Crafting Unforgettable Songs
Scarlett Butler, consisting of songwriters and artists Troy Kokol and Joni Delaurier, has achieved remarkable success over the past decade. Collectively, they have written over 300 songs recorded in a variety of genres. Their extensive songwriting experience forms the foundation for Scarlett Butler, showcasing their remarkable ability to craft well-written songs. Notably, their accomplishments earned Troy Kokol and Joni Delaurier the SOCAN Award for Country Music and multiple nominations for Songwriter(s) of the Year at the Canadian Country Music Awards, solidifying their reputation in the industry.
“We are thrilled not only to perform in Indigenous communities but also for the opportunity to support and mentor other musicians and artists,” said Troy Kokol of the duo Scarlett Butler. “We believe that helping others is how we can all rise up.”
Ethan Lyric and Dale Mac: Talents on the Rise
Ethan Lyric, a Winnipeg-born Indigenous musician, and songwriter who participated in MAN’s RBC Touring & Showcasing Program in 2021, brings his exceptional talent to the tour, offering a fresh and authentic perspective on Indigenous music. Joining the lineup is Dale Mac, a Roots/Rock/Blues songwriter from White Bear First Nation in Saskatchewan. Dale’s storytelling in his lyrics and soulful, energetic guitar work add a unique voice and style to the mix. Together, with their mentors Don Amero and Scarlett Butler, they form a dynamic quartet touring together, creating a harmonious fusion of melodies and stories.
The tour is co-presented by MAN (Manitoba Arts Network), OSAC (Organization of Saskatchewan Arts Councils), and funded by Canada Council for the Arts, with the aim of growing, strengthening, and celebrating Canada’s vast Indigenous communities and their artists through a day of music, mentorship, and connection.
The FireKeepers is a FREE 90-minute all-ages acoustic performance and will feature an artist Meet & Greet! For tour stops and additional information, please visit https://scarlettbutler.com/the-fire-keepers-tour
For media inquiries, please contact
Sarah Brereton
Program Coordinator, Manitoba Arts Network
E: admin@mbartsnet.ca T: (204) 918-6366
Or
Rose-Anne Harder
Director, Manitoba Arts Network
E: director@mbartsnet.ca
About the Fire Keepers Indigenous Song Circle
The FireKeepers Indigenous Song Circle is a celebration of Indigenous music, talent, and storytelling. Supported by the Canada Council for the Arts, Indigenous Performing Arts Alliance (IPAA), Manitoba Arts Network, and the Organization of Saskatchewan Arts Councils, this tour bridges the gap between remote Indigenous communities and the larger music industry, fostering connections and empowering artists. The FireKeepers Indigenous Song Circle Tour features multi-award-winning Indigenous artists alongside emerging Indigenous artists in each region.
About Manitoba Arts Network (MAN)
The Manitoba Arts Network is a member-driven not-for-profit organization that connects, showcases, and promotes visual and performing artists within communities across Manitoba. MAN’s mission is to increase access to visual and performing artists in rural communities by facilitating showcases and block bookings, organizing touring performances and exhibitions, creating directories and fostering equity initiatives. Additionally, MAN aims to enhance artists’ and arts organizations’ skills and capacity through professional development programs, including online learning, workshops, coaching, mentorships, and resource sharing.
About the Organization of Saskatchewan Arts Councils
Organization of Saskatchewan Arts Councils (OSAC) is an umbrella organization that enables community arts councils and schools to tour and hold live musical and theatre performances, visual art exhibitions, workshops, and special events across Saskatchewan and are proud to live and work on the lands of Treaty Four and Treaty Six and the traditional home of the Metis. OSAC is committed to continuing to build our relationship with Indigenous peoples as well as those from around the world who make Saskatchewan the diverse place it is.