Ali Fontaine
From Sagkeeng First Nation, Manitoba seventeen year old Ali Fontaine is climbing local and national music charts, getting nods and nominations for various music awards and has a busy national and international touring schedule.
At eight years of age, Ali entered her first talent competition, singing “You were meant for me” by Jewel. Competing against all ages, in all genres, she won 1st place in the contest. The win was a dream come true for the aspiring singer/ performer, but caused challenges for her as well.
Always loving creative arts, and in particular poetry, she began to write poems, and sang wherever and whenever she had the opportunity. She continued to enter talent shows, always placing, and often winning. At about twelve years of age, Ali learned to play guitar. This began the next stage of her journey – she began to write songs - turning her love of writing poetry into song writing.
Ali won the the Manitoba Star Attractions Talent Showcase 2010, which meant she would have a professionally recorded single – the prize for this talent showcase. Ali recorded an original song she wrote after the deaths of her grandmother and aunt, called “I Miss You”.
Turning sixteen in the fall of 2010, she was finally old enough to enter the NCI Jam contest. Ali placed 3rd, confirming that this was and is where she is meant to be, doing what she loves to do.
Ali was one of only twelve youth accepted in the 2010 Manitoba Music and AC I Manitoba’s Mentorship program. She and her peers were introduced to a variety of fields within the music industry including: artist management, record marketing, publicity and concert promotion. She learned from music industry professionals about working directly on the production, release and promotion of a compilation CD, In the spring of 2011, her parents approached Errol Ranville to mentor and assist Ali in her music career. This began a flurry of activity for Ali, with the first item getting a full CD recorded.
When asked if she had enough material for a CD, she said “Yes, I have about forty songs at home in a box”and Errol was floored. It is rare for a singer/ songwriter of her age to have that much material to work with.
Ali was nominated in four categories of the Aboriginal Peoples Choice Music Awards, and made it to the second and final round of voting in three categories; Best New Artist, Country CD of the Year and Single of the Year.
In October 2011, Ali traveled to New York City to perform at a reception where Val Kilmer was a keynote presenter, and she also performed at Bethesda Terrace in Central Park. From these opportunities, she has committed to perform and tour in Australia in 2012, and Africa in 2013. A tour of Western Canada in early 2012 is in the planning stages.
Future goals include completing her grade 12 in June, and starting her postsecondary education, at the University of Manitoba. She is considering a Fine Arts degree with a business minor.
Download: Ali Fontaine Centerfold
Jennifer Podemski
Producer/Actor
In May 2006, Jennifer joined the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation as Creative Producer for the National Aboriginal Achievement Awards, taking place in Edmonton, Alberta in March 2007. Jennifer has managed to find a delicate balance in her career. Amidst her busy schedule, she remains an active board member of The Aboriginal Voices Radio Network, The Reel World Film Festival and The American Indian Youth Academy.
"I am continually inspired."
There may have been a “first” moment of inspiration, but as I reflect — and I do that a lot — I realize that it is a series of continuous inspirational moments that help me move forward and expand my horizons. Having said that, I can pin point a few key moments that were defining: My grandmother took me to see the musical performance, Pal Joey, and we sat in the front row. I was eight years old and I was so inspired to get on that stage and sing and dance my guts out.
I was an extra on a show called 9B, when I was in grade 9… it starred Michelle St. John, a native actress who I began to really admire. She became a great source of inspiration to me for
many years.
And of course, the family.
The defining moment in my career?
Again, I have had several…so many, all the time; I haven’t stopped growing or learning so I am always finding that there are defining moments. But, if I had to choose ONE that really stands out for me it would be the time I moved to New York and after a few weeks I decided to give up acting.
I was depressed, discouraged and just didn’t have it in me anymore. I was broke but decided to treat myself to a $5 coffee in Times Square at the top of a hotel and look down on the city. I had bought a BACKSTAGE magazine; the magazine dedicated to film/TV and theatre actors in New York.
As I debated changing my life and leaving my career aspirations behind me I turned the page and lo and behold — there was a picture of me, a huge picture of me in a play I had just finished in Toronto. Needless to say I was completely overwhelmed and surprised. It gave me a boost of confidence and I saw it as a great sign. But it was what I did with it later that surprised me. I decided to not quit, but take a long needed break to gain perspective. I got a job and stayed out of the biz for a year, but I knew in my heart, after seeing that review, that everything would be all right.
The only advice I have is the same advice I have for life. Never take anything personally and never give up. There is a huge difference between giving up and taking a step back, a break, to gain perspective. It’s a difficult industry to navigate, but those of us in it really immerse ourselves into every aspect of it.
Nothing is below you and nothing is above you. Everything is equal and is defined by what you bring to it. Everything.
Contact Jennifer Podemski
jana mashonee
Actor/Recording Artist
Download the new MP3 of "Solid Ground" from Jana Mashonee's new album "New Moon Born". The album is available for the special pre-release price of only US$10.00 plus $2.00 shipping and handling.
To order go to www.janamashonee.com.
Download "Solid Ground"
I want to take my music to a different level but still incorporating my signature nativeness. I want to be able to crossover and take my music mainstream. I want the mainstream needs to understand that as Indian people we do not live in the past but live in the present. I want to spread a positive message.
What do you want to be remembered for?
" Someone who has pushed boundaries, taken risks, believing in myself and my people. Someone who has taken challenges."
Nominated for a 2007 Grammy under the American Indian category, each of Jana’s last three singles won the prestigious Native American Music Award. She has received five Nammy awards for Best Pop Performer, Song Of The Year, Female Artist Of The Year, Record of the Year, and Best Producer of the Year.
Heavily influenced by Native traditions, Jana integrates much of her cultural heritage into her musical persona and her unique sense of style. She is actively involved in tribal activities and ceremonies, including traditional Native dancing and singing, the impact of which can be heard in her music and seen in her performances.
Jana’s Native American ancestry is reflected in her exotic presence. A member of the Lumbee tribe, the second largest tribe east of the Mississippi River, she honors her Native traditions by incorporating aspects of her culture into her everyday life. Jana states, “being an “Urban Indian” is to walk in both worlds but not compromise my cultural identity. I cannot ignore who I am and where I came from. I am proud that I can maintain my traditional customs while living in today’s world.”
She participated in the UNITY (United National Indian Tribal Youth) organization as a high school student and founded Jane’s Kids organization to help Native American youth achieve the successes they dream of. This organization is now raising funds to offer scholarships to Native American youth for academic, artistic, and athletic achievement as part of the program’s educational initiative.
Her rigorous touring schedule has already brought her to forty-eight of the fifty states as well as Europe. Proactively involving her audiences in interactive presentations, Jana uses music, lecture, questions, answers, and demonstrations as part of her educational, entertaining, and motivational program.
Contact JANA
landon montour
Actor, Film Maker, Traditional Dancer, Entrepreneur
Landon Montour, of the Mohawk community of Kahnawake, is a third generation artist. His grandfather, Roy Montour, was an established painter, photographer, and ironworker (structural steel). He created everything from portraits to skyscrapers. One of his famous subjects is the Verazzano Narrows Bridge in New York City. Landon’s father, Ryan, was an actor in the Toronto theatre scene in his younger days and he also traveled extensively with the Iroquois Traveling College.
“Our people have always been proud, if I affect one aboriginal youth – I did my job”
No doubt about it — Landon was inspired by both his father and by his grandfather. Early in his life he realized the discipline involved in artistic expression. This happened when he was brought to a film set by his cousin, Vince Lazore. “From the first moment I was on a set, I wanted to know what made it work. I was excited by the organized chaos of one hundred and fifty people running around and working together to create one artistic expression,” says Landon.
Now twenty-three years old, Landon is an entrepreneur, actor and Traditional Dancer. Back home in Kahnawake, at nineteen years of age, he started a small video production company called Ingin Pictures. He was encouraged and mentored by Big Soul Productions of Toronto. This company provided Landon with “hands-on” training. He worked alongside film professionals on many Music Videos and then went on to work with the television series The Seventh Generation. When Big Soul Productions shot a short film called Laurel, Landon was invited to join the production crew as a production assistant. Within two days the executive producers, Jennifer Podemski and Laura Milliken, noticed that Landon showed a strong interest in cameras and set-up’s. They decided to change his title from PA to camera assistant.
A week after the wrap-up Landon was back home. He got a call and was surprised to hear that Jennifer was offering him a job at Big Soul! For sure the director and producers must have been impressed with his work ethic and dedication. They put him into an internship with Big Soul Productions. Said Landon, “It was Friday night. She told me that I had to start work on Monday. By Sunday, supper time, I had moved to Toronto.”
Landon continues to own and operate Ingin Pictures, which has been in business since 2000. Ingin Pictures produce a wide variety of music videos for such well-known entertainers as George Leach, Derek Miller, SlangBlossom and others. Ingin has produced short films such as Le Roi de Hochelga. The crew is currently working on a new project Roy, which is about native suicides. They completed promotional videos for Thunder Hawk Dancers, Five Nations Boutique and Stone Carver Silver Bear. These young filmmakers are from all over Canada with experience in all areas of filmmaking, television, and multi media. The oldest member of the team is twenty-eight years old.
As Landon explains, “This is the perfect medium for our people to maintain and carry on with our culture and traditions. We have been storytellers since time immemorial. It’s a perfect marriage!”
Contact Landon Montour
Lindsay Knight
Recording Artist
Canada’s first solo Aboriginal female hip hop artist, Eekwol, performed at the Skydome in Toronto in November 2004. Eekwol (Lindsay Knight), Saskatoon, Saskatchewan and Mils (Justin Knight), Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, are Cree members of the Muskoday First Nation, Saskatchewan.
Her new music video Too Sick was recently released on MuchMusic and is currently in rotation. Although Eekwol is considered an emerging artist, she has been seriously honing her craft in composing, recording, and performing hip hop music for over seven years. In 2003 she did a busy performance tour across Canada as opening act for Pigeon John of Los Angeles, and has performed on the main stages of prestigious music festivals in Saskatchewan and British Columbia. Eekwol is a prolific artist, recording and producing seven albums and EPs in the last four years. Her song “Five Minutes Late” was featured in the short film Pop Song, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2003.
Behind every successful recording and performing hip hop artist is a great music producer. Eekwol’s brother, Mils, crafted all the music on which she laid her lyrical tracks. Mils is an equally prolific artist, producing music for numerous underground hip-hop artists including world famous PSC.Luckyiam, The Grouch, Eligh and Murs of the Living Legends, Mils is among the best as well as Pigeon John (all from Los Angeles). hip hop music
producers in North America. Luckyiam and Grouch tagged him as the ‘Canadian super producer Mils’ for his production contribution to “All Over,” their newly released album.
Eekwol has recently launched her own web site www.eekwol.com. Check out the MP3 version of “Too Sick”.
Contact Eekwol (Lindsay Knight)
Dallas Arcand
Traditional Dancer, Musician
There was only one other hoop dancer competing the first time that Dallas Arcand took first place, but last year the 29-year-old from the Alexander (Kipohtakaw) Plains Indian Cree Nation in Alberta became the world champion at the Heard Museum competition in Phoenix, Arizona. This is a great accomplishment, especially for a young man who really didn’t have a lot of prospects or folks who believed in him when he was a kid; it’s safe to say that Dallas’ road to the top was anything but easy.
“Stick to your dreams and never forget them because they give you purpose in life.”
“My mother was an alcoholic, I was adopted and I had no real father figure growing up,” explains Dallas. “I also was exposed to a lot of racism from both sides of the fence, so growing up was pretty rough.”
In school, Dallas was often too much for teachers to handle and the youngster was prescribed Ritalin to calm him down and induce the appearance of focus. But soon, the benefits of this automaton state became less noticeable to his mother and the hyperactivity he was born with was allowed to flourish. Unfortunately this gift, which probably powers his hoop dancing endurance, started to get him into more and more trouble. In school Dallas was often sent to the principal’s office, suspended or expelled. Out of school and without anything to do, he got involved with the wrong crowd and spent his time partying or committing petty crimes, eventually landing him in jail.
With time to think in jail and the seeds of pow wow already growing in his heart, Dallas embarked on a new journey outside of his family life and the public school system. “The first time I got interested in hoop dancing was when I lived with a hoop dancer named Joe Chatsis,” he explains. “He was from Saskatchewan and I learned a few tricks from him. After he left, I started to practice on my own with hoops I made on my own.”
This was the start, but it wasn’t the only performing art that Dallas was involved with. “Shortly after I started dancing pow wow, I started break dancing at the New Dawn Star, a sober club in Edmonton. From there I joined a break dancing crew called “Rising Nation,” which didn’t last long, followed by the “Magoo Crew,” where I started emceeing live on stage.”
The combination of pow wow and break dancing gave Dallas a chance to express himself and to work on his timing and endurance. Most importantly, it gave him an opportunity to experiment and work elements from both disciplines into his routines. It’s safe to say that it was this experimentation that lead to the innovative timing and choreography that Dallas employs in hoop dancing competitions and demonstrations around the world today.
Dallas soon earned a reputation as a solid hoop dancer and a reliable guy and this turned into an opportunity to speak to youth as a role model at Aboriginal schools or conferences. “The first time they asked me to speak I didn’t know what to say,” he explains. “But now that I’ve done it for a while, I’m more used to it. I think I can relate to a lot of the Native kids that I speak to because I can relate to a lot of their experiences; not the extreme ones, but some of them at least.”
Contact Dallas Arcand
Adam Beach
Actor
Adam Ruebin Beach (born 1972) is a Canadian actor of Saulteaux descent. Born in a small Canadian town, Adam Beach grew up with his two brothers on the Dog Creek Indian Reserve. When he was eight years old, his mother, who was eight months pregnant, was killed in a car accident caused by drunk driving. She died in front of their home in a ditch. Two months later, his father died in a boating accident. Beach and his brothers subsequently moved to Winnipeg to live with an aunt and uncle.
Did you know?
• In 1996 Adam ran for the position of Chief on his home reserve of Dog Creek?
• That Adam has been known to help aspiring Native actors obtain training?
• Recently in Oklahoma Adam performed in a play, written by his uncle Chris Beach, about suicide?
About four years ago, SAY Magazine attended the unveiling of a wall mural of Adam Beach in the ‘hood’ in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
In high school, he attended a drama class. The class was originally supposed to be a place to “goof off” with his friends, but Beach soon exhibited natural talents in acting. He began performing in local theatre productions, and eventually dropped out of school to take a lead role at the Manitoba Theatre for Young People.
At the age of eighteen, Adam won a small role in a miniseries. He worked in local theatre and guest-starred on television shows like Walker, Texas Ranger and Touched by an Angel. Adam also had a recurring role on the television series North of 60.
His first lead role in a feature film was in 1994, as Squanto in Disney’s Squanto: A Warrior’s Tale.
A number of projects followed, but his lead part in Smoke Signals is considered his breakout role.
Contact Adam Beach
The baker twins
Actors/Models
They are actors and models and have been on a variety of television shows, films and videos. The Baker Twins recently made a celebrity guest appearance on ‘The Tyra Banks Show’. Both of the girls landed a role on an episode of the television show ‘Smallville’.
"Shannon and Shauna are identical Carrier Déné First Nations twins of the Stellat’en First Nation reservation in northern British Columbia, Canada."
Some of their acting experience also includes films such as: ‘Sharp as Marbles’, ‘Night of Removal’, ‘Time after Place’, ‘Family Portraits’, ‘History Lesson’, ‘Magical History Tour’ and they have been in several music videos. The twins were recently offered starring roles in a independent film called ‘Freedom Lost’.
Q What inspired you to go into the performing arts?
Shauna: I was at my Aunty Michelle’s house and we were looking through Sears catalogues and she pointed at one of the girls and told me that I could be a model if I wanted to. That was the day that I found out what a model was.
When I was watching movies I always knew that I wanted to be on television. I would watch TV programs and repeat my favorite lines out loud and re-enact the scene. If there was crying in the scene I would cry and if someone was mad I would replicate the actor being mad and I would always think to myself — being an actor would be easy, I could do it!
Shannon: Truthfully, I’m not quite sure. Since I was little I have admired all types of art forms but never thought of myself as a creator of art. Shauna made it a little easier, perhaps because she has always wanted to get into the performing arts. I tried out for a school play and ended up getting the role. I really enjoyed it and it felt natural. I never thought at that moment that I wanted to be an actor. Art makes me happy whether it is creating music, painting or acting. I am simply just doing what makes me happy.
Q What motivates you?
Shauna: With every job I have had I have always given 100%. I wanted to show my little sister and little cousins that they can accomplish anything by showing them by example. If I could do it, they could do it.
Shannon: Love. I was fortunate to have a family that gave me an unlimited amount of love. I just want to give love back. Our people have also been a huge motivation. There are so many talented First Nations people that have so many gifts and talents to offer. I just want to show the world how beautiful and talented our people and culture is.
Contact The Baker Twins
Akina shirt
Role Model
Akina Shirt is a young lady on the move. At only thirteen years of age, she has been thrust into the limelight. Somewhat reluctant to assume the mantle of role model, nonetheless she has accepted the responsibility graciously.
"Swimming is another passion for her. She started swim lessons when she was eight years old. She then joined swim clubs. At the height of her training regimen, Akina would swim 4 to 5 kilometers in a two-hour practice."
When Akina sang our national anthem in Cree at an NHL hockey game this past February in Calgary, she had no idea what the consequences would be. In short, there was a whirlwind of publicity followed by a steady stream of requests for her to sing and speak at many events. What people have come to understand is that Akina is a very accomplished young lady with a
bright future.
Akina however, has a humble personality and often wonders “what’s the fuss”? The fuss, of course, is that Akina represents the pride and hope we have for all our Aboriginal children. And how she has gotten to where she is provides a path for other young people to follow. And parents, there’s inspiration here for you too.
Akina is an honor student who will be starting Grade 9 at the Victoria School of Performing and Visual Arts in Edmonton. A voracious reader, Akina does not spend much time in front of a TV (her family doesn’t have cable or satellite) and she does not play video games (they don’t own any). This love of reading was instilled in her at a very early age. Her Dad started reading to her when she was eighteen months old—every night! The result was powerful. Akina blossomed in Grade 1. Before starting Grade 2, she was assessed at a Grade 6 reading and comprehension level.
Contact Akina
Litefoot
Rap Artist / Actor / Entrepreneur
Litefoot has spent years developing his music making abilities and growing his fan base. On November 11, 2008 Litefoot will release his newest album “Relentless Pursuit” - a blend of contemporary rap music infused with Native American perspectives and Tribal rhythms for the masses to enjoy!
As rap music has spread in popularity to even the most remote of American Indian reservations... LITEFOOT, a member of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma, began releasing albums 16 years ago while simultaneously touring and gathering thousands of loyal fans across North America - becoming one of today's most well respected Native American entertainers. He is considered an icon in Native American communities throughout North America.
Litefoot has performed in many diverse venues ranging from the Palacio De Exposicion in Rome, Italy, New York's Nassau Coliseum with Jadakiss, Busta Rhymes and Ludacris in front of a packed house of over 20,000 people... to remote “Reservations” in the United States and Canada. He continues to be a constant touring performer and his recent,”Reach The Rez Tour,” travelled over 90,000 miles throughout the U.S. and begins again in the Fall of 2008.
Litefoot is also a well known film andtelevision actor starring in such roles as, The Indian In The Cupboard and Mortal Kombat, Annihilation. He has appeared on the television programs: C.S.I. Miami, Family Law and Any Day Now.
As well, Litefoot produces his own clothing line “Native Style” which is available online at www.litefoot.com Litefoot’s 11th album, “Relentless Pursuit” will be his first album to enjoy nationwide distribution in the United States and Canada. The project is set to be released November 11, 2008.
Litefoot’s road to achieving his goals rivals the most inspirational of success stories. He’s overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles with a belief in self and his culture- making him a force to reckon with in all he chooses to do.
Contact Litefoot
A member of the Yaqui people of southern Arizona, Gabriel Ayala (Guitarist) is at the forefront of a new generation of Native Americans making a career performing classical music. He earned a Master’s Degree in Music Performance from the University of Arizona in 1997, has taught at all educational levels from elementary through college, and serves as a competition adjudicator. Although Gabriel truly enjoys being a teacher his busy touring schedule allows him to teach only in masterclass settings.
