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Dive into the exhilarating world of hip-hop at “DJ KOOKUM’s Indigenous Day Eve” an unforgettable night where creativity and cultural fusion take center stage. The dynamic lineup features exceptional Indigenous artists including Sekawnee, Dem Rosé Boys, MzShellz, and Dakota Bear. Explore the connection between Indigenous traditions and the powerful influence of hip-hop, as we honor the past, present, and future of this vibrant music scene.
Cheyanna Kootenhayoo; AKA Kookum is a DJ and multi-media maker from the Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation, and Cold Lake First Nations. Based in Vancouver, Kookum has been making a name for their self across the country and is no stranger in the community. An open format DJ, Kookum is inspired by EDM and Hip Hop. A diverse mix-diva on the decks, Kookum always keeps the party hype, fresh, and unpredictable.
Dakota Bear is a Saskatoon-born, Vancouver-based Indigenous hip-hop artist and activist. His melodic rhymes carry stories of Indigenous peoples across Canada leaving listeners enlightened, inspired and instant fans of his music and message. His performances range from audiences of 30,000 (Global Climate Strike with Greta Thunberg, Downtown Vancouver, October 2019), 40,000 at Black Lives Matter Freedom march, to inspirational performances for youth in remote communities in Northern Canada. His work with Idle No More, Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirited Peoples and the Global Climate Strike movement has intertwined his music with international social justice movements and connected him with fans across the country. He’s shared stages with legendary greats like Bone Thugs n Harmony, Redman & Methodman, TechN9ne and more. His music has been shared by Noisey, Exclaim!, Hip Hop Canada, Digital Drum and numerous grassroots-news outlets while his online videos have collectively amassed more than 1 million views. His quest for love, justice and peace is unwavering, with his melodic rhymes and iconic beats carrying his message to the masses and beyond.
SEKAWNEE is one of Canada’s newest rising artists on the West Coast. Emerging out of Vancouver, BC. The 23 year old songwriter and producer has been dropping records that perk the ears of the industry. This Afro-Indigenous artist, producer and engineer comes from the Squamish, Tla’amin, Kwakwaka’wakw/Musgamagw Dzawada’enuxw, Tɫingit, and Xaayda Nations. He also has dual citizenship with the United States. He has spent years focusing on his talents as an artist and music producer perfecting his craft in order to produce his own records as well as producing for some of the best rising talents in the Vancouver area. His music reflects his life and personality with every song. He brings a new energy to the industry with his sonically captivating productions and smirky yet energizing lyrics that will keep you coming back for more. Whether he’s singing, rapping or producing Sekawnee strives to have no limitations on his craft as a musician.
Michelle Lee Runns AKA MzShellz is an emerging Cree Hip Hop artist and owner of “Native by Nature” Apparel hailing from Regina, Saskatchewan. Since relocating to British Columbia, the mother of 4 has been rocking stages from Vancouver Ottawa Toronto Las Vegas all the way to Albuquerque, NM. MzShellz has taken her new platform through her music to send messages of strength to the Youth and seeks to empower Women & girls around the world to know that anything is possible if you truly believe in yourself. She hopes to further these goals with her next album, “Boss Lady”, currently out now.
Emcee
Suzette Amaya is Kwakwa̱ka̱ʼwakw – Cree, Nisga’a, Coast Salish pf the GwaSala-Nakwaxda’xw Nation, living on the unceded territory of the Coast Salish peoples–Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), Stó:lō and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh), and xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) Nations known as Vancouver.
She is a reality TV star, seen on Big Brother Canada Season One and Back In The On The Mighty Fraser (APTN), and winner of online reality TV show SEQUESTER 5.0. Previously Hip Hop Host for CBC Radio 3 AB-ORIGINALS, Suzette Amaya is proud to promote Aboriginal hip hop/urban and pop artists!
Suzette Amaya created & produces/hosts the award-winning radio show ThinkNDN on CFRO 100.5fm, is owner of SAMAYA Entertainment, and manager of award-winning artist Joey Stylez. www.joeystylez.com
Suzette has been working in the DTES for over 19yrs in Women’s & Children’s and Youth Shelters. Her experience is working in a Harm Reduction, supporting people with Addictions, Mental Health, Trauma, Homelessness, Poverty and an advocate helping clients dealing with MCFD, The Justice System and Barriers. A proud member of the City of Vancouver Urban Indigenous Advisory Counsel her passion is to give community members a voice!
Former Manager for the Youth Justice Program at Indian Residential School Survivors Society with Qwum Qwum Xwii Xwaa, Suzette developed the program and worked to build partnerships with Law Enforcement, the Legal System and MCFD and dedicated herself in working with Young folks in proving cultural connections, mental wellness, physical wellness and support in the Justice System. Currently Suzette is the Manager of Operational Change at Britannia Community Services Society.
An entrepreneur, she is the owner of Suzette Amaya Lashes and also creator of the new YouTube show Suzette Amaya TV.
A motivational speaker/workshop facilitator, Suzette is passionate about inspiring others to live healthy, balanced lives through topics such as sexual abuse, residential school, building confidence and esteem, self-image, and goal-setting – along with sharing her knowledge of radio, media, and arts. Social Media @SuzetteAmaya
