Program Information
Overview
Inspired by Elder Buddy Wesley, Wîchoîe Ahiya (“Wee-cho-ee-ay A-hee-ya”) means “singing words” in Stoney Nakoda. This three-week residency allows participants to deepen their creative practice and expand their skill set through faculty-led workshops, group gatherings, and one-on-one sessions with senior faculty. Take time to shape your vision for your next project.
What does the program offer?
Wîchoîe Ahiya Indigenous Singer Songwriter Residency is designed to explore the entire process of song writing with different methodologies, expand on performance skills, and learn the intricacies of production.
During this residency, you will have freedom to structure your time around the needs of your project and work in an audio production studio to record one song for a demo.
Together with the faculty, you will get an opportunity to enhance your stage performance both with the cohort; and in one of two concerts.
You’ll also interact with a supportive community of up to 10 peers and have 24-hour access to studios.
Private music huts are available and a gathering space to be shared with others in the residency for self-directed mini concerts.
Who should apply?
Open to Indigenous people from all regions locally, nationally, and internationally, this residency is an ideal fit for Indigenous singer songwriters who have one or more projects completed and who will be working on a new project.
This program is only open to individual applications.
Faculty
Dale Mac
Dale Mac is from White Bear First Nations, Saskatchewan. His storytelling and music are backed by his soulful and energetic guitars. Whether performing acoustic roots in venues or rock-based stage shows, Dale’s guitar is the energy behind his style. His influences include Pearl Jam, Clapton, Gord Downie, and Springsteen. Dale’s songs and lyrics are based around Canadian landscapes and settings.
Dale’s second EP “American Horse” was nominated for Indigenous Artist Of The Year at the 2018 Sask Music Awards.
He was nominated for the 2021 Industry Achievement Award at the Sask Music Awards for his work with Indigenous Arts boards and bridging communities. Dale also works towards creating opportunities for the next generation of Indigenous artists.
His third album in production titled "Pežuda Road" aka Medicine Road is based on his positive stories and preserving his Nakota language through recording elders, storytellers and blending the impact of language preservation with his music.
Lead Faculty
Donna Sharpe
Donna Sharpe is an Alberta-based Stage Manager who is equally at home working in program management, opera, dance, musicals, music performance, and new performance creation.
Donna began her work with Banff Centre as a practicum student, then returned over her 30-year career as a stage manager, faculty member, company manager and mentor to collaborate with such programs as 21st Century Opera and Song, Indigenous Arts, Dance, and Music.
Donna also has enjoyed collaborating with both seasoned and early-career artists in Canadian and World premieres. Selected company credits include Banff Centre (Intercultural Indigenous Choreographers Creation Lab, Indigenous Classical Music Gathering, Final Tuning, Opera in the 21st Century, Banff International String Quartet Competition), Edmonton Opera (Stabat Mater, Carmen), Calgary Opera (Silent Night, Moby Dick, Gianni Schicchi, Die tote Stadt, Dead Man Walking, Sweeney Todd), Vertigo Theatre (Murder on the Orient Express), Rainbow Stage (Cinderella), Alberta Theatre Projects (Teenage Dick), and The Old Trout Puppet Workshop (Ghost Opera).
Faculty
Lindsay Knight
Eekwol (Lindsay Knight) is an award-winning hip hop performing artist living in Saskatoon, she is nehiyaw and Russian from Treaty Six Territory, and a member of Muskoday First Nation.
Eekwol has been making music for many years and is currently completing a new album, The TMRWS, which is funded by the Canada Council for the Arts is to be released in the Winter of 2023.
Eekwol uses her music and words to spread messages of resistance, revolution and keeping the language, land and culture alive for the next generations.
Faculty
What's Included
Single Room
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Your program fee includes a single bedroom on the Banff Centre campus for the duration of your program.
Get connected with other artists on campus and focus on your projects in a creative environment while we take care of the day-to-day essentials.
Full Flex Meal Plan
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Using a credit-based system to dine on campus, our flexible meal plans allow you to select meals according to your own needs during your stay. Banff Centre can respond to most dietary requests.
The Full Flex meal plan is equivalent to $61.95 credit per day, equivalent to breakfast, lunch and dinner at our Buffet service.
Showcase Your Work
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This program offers opportunities to showcase your work-in-progress in one of our performance venues.
Recording Opportunities
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You’ll have the option to record a song in a commercial studio.
Studio Space
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Create in one of our specialized music studios.
Gym Membership
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Paul D. Fleck Library and Archives
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The Paul D. Fleck Library and Archives - Current Services
The Library is delighted to support Banff Centre Participants, Artists, and Faculty with the following services:
- Open hours: 9:30 am to 1 pm, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
- Access to collections, including program relevant books, scores, artists’ books, recordings, periodicals, and object library.
- Library accounts for borrowing materials.
- Digital Library, on campus and remote access.
- Library research assistance, by appointment.
- Archives research, by appointment only.
Please email library@banffcentre.ca or archives@banffcentre.ca for more information or assistance.
Box Office Discounts
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Enjoy special artist rates for ticketed performances or complimentary access to events.
Participant Resources
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Enrich your experience and get to know other artists on campus by taking advantage of the activities and support provided by our Participant Resources team.
Fees & Financial Assistance
Program Fee with Financial Aid
$0.00
Application fee: $35
Application fees are not refundable.
*Financial Aid of 100% is available for this program.
If you would like to be considered, please complete the Financial Aid question when uploading your supporting materials to SlideRoom.
Please note: Banff Centre will issue official tax receipts for eligible tuition fees and financial assistance and awards as required by the Income Tax Act. You will receive a T2202 (Tuition and Enrolment Certificate) for eligible tuition fees paid and a T4A (Statement of Pension, Retirement, Annuity, and Other Income) for applicable financial assistance and awards.
How to Apply
Learn more about the steps to Complete Your Application.
Resume
A one-page resume or C.V. describing academic, professional, and other relevant experience.
Letter of Intent
A 500 word description of why you wish to attend this program, what you hope to learn or achieve and what impact it could have on your artistic practice.
Project Proposal
A description of your project, including the theme, an outline of materials and facilities required, and indicative timelines. (1000 words max)
Portfolio
Please provide up to 3 samples of recent artistic work.
Resource Request
Outline all studio, equipment, software, facility, or staff support required. Final resource allocation is at the discretion of the department. This form can be found directly in Slideroom.
Financial Assistance
Be sure to complete the Financial Aid section to be eligible for financial assistance.
Adjudication
Adjudication is based on artistic merit, the potential impact of the program on artists’ practice and careers, project feasibility and the capacity of Banff Centre to help realize the project, and the project’s fit with Banff Centre’s values and strategic directions as described in its strategic plan. Banff Centre respects the need for artists to plan ahead for their visit; applicants will be notified as soon as adjudication is complete.
International Applicants
Banff Centre welcomes domestic and international applicants for this program. Please note, Banff Centre programs do not meet Canadian Student Visa eligibility requirements, you must obtain a Visitor Visa to enter Canada. Accepted individuals are responsible for identifying and complying with the immigration requirements to enter Canada as a visitor from their country of origin. Current wait times to receive a visa are much longer than normal, so applicants who require a Visitor Visa should check the current expected processing times prior to applying.
Eligibility
Applicants must be ages 18+ at the time of the program start date.
All programs, faculty, dates, fees, and offers of financial assistance are subject to change. Program fee is subject to applicable taxes. Non-refundable fees and deposits will be retained upon cancellation. Any other fees are refunded at the discretion of the Banff Centre. The application deadline is 11:59 p.m. Mountain Standard Time.
