INTERNATIONAL INDIGENOUS MUSIC SUMMIT READIES FOR 2020 EDITION, JAN 21-26.

FIRST WAVE OF INDIGENOUS VOICES ARTISTS ANNOUNCED:  Alice Skye (AU), Elisapie (CA), Snotty Nose Rez Kids (CA), Josh Halverson (US), Micki Free (US), QuiQue Escamilla (MX/CA), Raye Zaragoza (US), Sierra Noble (CA), Vassvik (NO) Global Indigenous Music Industry gathers in New Orleans in partnership with Folk Alliance International.

Bringing together global Indigenous music industry, culture leaders, and artists to honour tradition and forge new paths forward, the second edition of the International Indigenous Music Summit takes place in New Orleans in partnership with Folk Alliance International, from Jan 21-26, 2020. The inaugural International Indigenous Music Summit took place in Montreal in February 2019. Programming included community outreach, stakeholder discussions and, of course, showcases by Indigenous artists from around the world. The Summit also welcomed iconic songwriter and activist Buffy Sainte-Marie and FAI’s 2019 Keynote Speaker Tanya Tagaq for book readings and, in the case of Sainte-Marie, a special address for Summit attendees. Summit delegates also gathered for a group discussion on wide-ranging topics surrounding one of IIMS big picture goals: to imagine, connect and work towards fostering a music industry model rooted in Indigenous experience and values. This year, the International Indigenous Music Summit will again welcome keynote speakers and round table discussions alongside its music programming. Details to follow next week. IIMS acknowledges that this year’s gathering takes place on Bulbancha, the ancestral lands of the Atakapa-Ishak, Caddo, Chitimacha, Choctaw, Houma, Natchez, and Tunica peoples, and the Petites nations. We also recognize the Alabama, Biloxi, Koasati, and Ofo peoples, and others who were pushed into Louisiana from their ancestral lands. INTERNATIONAL INDIGENOUS MUSIC SUMMIT PROGRAMMING L-R: Vassvik, Elisapie, Snotty Nose Rez Kids  2020 INDIGENOUS VOICES SHOWCASE SUITE The 2020 Indigenous Voices lineup will bring over forty artists from Australia, Norway, Canada, United States and Mexico to perform in the private suite. The Indigenous Voices programming is genre-inclusive, as evidenced by this year’s range of performers. The first wave of official selections, announced today, include Polaris Music Prize 2019 Short List artists Elisapie and Snotty Nose Rez Kids, both from Canada, Austin, TX Americana artist Josh Halverson and traditional Sami musician and composerVassvik. Accredited media attending Folk Alliance (or any writers and publications wishing to attend the Indigenous Voices Private Showcase) are asked to contact IIMS media coordinatorhere. Clockwise: Raye Zaragoza, Alice Skye, QuiQue Escamilla.  2020 OFFICIAL FOLK ALLIANCE SHOWCASES Select artists such as Elisapie and Raye Zaragoza have been previously announced as Official Folk Alliance Showcase artists. Beyond the partnership of shared time and place, FAI and IIMS have worked together to create a robust Indigenous presence in FAI 2019’s official programming. Those looking to spotlight Indigenous artists at FAI are encouraged to contact IIMS for details, information and materials such as guidelines for engaging with Indigenous art with knowledge and understanding.