On Oct. 7, 2022, Québec’s North Coast hosted, for the first time, the Teweikan Indigenous Music Gala, organized by the Société de communication Atikamekw Montagnais (SOCAM). This fourth edition of the Gala was held in Sept-Îles and, as usual, its mission was to highlight the musical talent of the First Nations and Inuit of Québec and Labrador.
Innu artists shone brightly during the evening, and won in seven of the gala’s 11 categories. Uashat mak Mani-utenam singer Scott-Pien Picard and Atikamekw artist Laura Niquay won the most statuettes, with three each. Picard walked away with the honours in the Indigenous Language, Blues/Rock, and Best Album categories, while Niquay was victorious in those for Folk, Best Female or Male Singer, and Jury Award.
Absent for health reasons, singer-songwriter Florent Vollant (formerly of Kashtin) was celebrated with the Tribute and Recognition Award, given to an artist who’s left their mark and advanced the cause of the First Nations. Innu, or Métis people. Vollant’s children accepted the award in his name.
Many of the nominated artists in the various categories performed, and showcased the creativity and musical excellence of the First Nations of Québec and Labrador and the Inuit of Nunavik. Among the highlights of the Gala were the tributes paid to the teueikan (drum) players and to the women who have contributed to the preservation of Indigenous languages and culture.
Here is the full list of the winners of the 2022 Teweikan Gala:
Roots Music
Kathia Rock
Indigenous Language
Scott-Pien Picard
Modern Music
Samian
Country
Petapan
Folk
Laura Niquay
Blues/Rock
Scott-Pien Picard
Next Generation
Kathia Rock
Best Album
Scott-Pien Picard
Best Female or Male Singer
Laura Niquay
Jury Award
Laura Niquay
Tribute and Recognition Award
Florent Vollant
SOCAN warmly congratulates all the winners on these great achievements!