Mâwacihitowinihk Nikamowak: Indigenous Music Residency

Mâwacihitowinihk Nikamowak: Indigenous Music Residency is Plains Cree for "they sing at the gathering (place)" referring to Sacred Guardian Buffalo Mountain. This music residency centres on collaboration, refinement and presentation of work through audio production and live performance.  

This three-week residency invites musicians of various genres to apply with the intention of developing songs that are nearly completed or finished to take into the final stages of development with the support from faculty, peers and Banff Centre's audio production team.

Description

The program offers opportunity for learning from workshops and time to gather as a group. We offer specialized workshops led by faculty, community collaboration and an opportunity to learn and record in a professional audio recording studio with access to our team. 

 Participants will:

• Enhance performance skills and deepen their understanding of music production.
• Engage in faculty-led workshops, group gatherings, and one-on-one sessions with faculty.
• Develop existing works and arrangements while collaborating with peers and refining their musical practice.
• Have 24hr access to studios and/or music huts to focus on songwriting and performance preparation.
• Receive a recording session with our Audio production team to professionally capture their work for non commercial use.*
• Be part of a supportive community of peers.
• Take part in public performance opportunities.

Requirements

Open to Indigenous people from all regions - locally, nationally, and internationally.

• Ideal for Indigenous musicians, vocalists, rappers, singer-songwriters, DJ's, and instrumentalists from across diverse music genres.
• Applicants are required to submit  2 - 3 samples of completed songs or works in progress to develop, refine, record and present during the residency. 
• Open to solo artists and duos.

Full funding is available.

Application Deadline: August 12, 2026
Program Dates: Nov 16, 2026 - Dec 04, 2026