SASKATOON — The newly-formed Saskatchewan Indigenous Music Association is taking things one step at a time as they try to promote and support local artists —individual or group — and their genre of songs in the province.
Donny Parenteau, one of SIMA’s eight board members, told SASKTODAY they have plans to help the next generation of Indigenous musicians in Saskatchewan, beginning with an awards show to honour Indigenous artists in the province.
Multi-award-winning country-gospel singer Yvonne St. Germaine, Sheryl Kimbley, Roland Corrigal, Dale McArthur, Darwin Roy, Paul Lomheim and Grant Kimbley join Parenteau as the SIMA’s board members.
“The possibilities are endless. It is just about getting together as a board and planning it. We are taking it one step at a time and what I have always learned to say is never to put the cart before the horse,” said Parenteau.
“We will take time, and we will get there. We will take baby steps as we move on, especially since we are a new organization. All of that stuff, if I’m a fortune teller, do I see it coming? Yes. It is just a matter of taking the time to get there.”
The awards show will take place Oct. 1 at the EA Rawlinson Centre in Prince Albert, where they will honour various individuals and groups. It will be similar to the Indigenous Music Awards, formerly the Aboriginal People’s Choice Music Awards.
“This awards show will be just for Indigenous musicians of Saskatchewan. It is everything, from powwow drum groups and all genres of music are welcome. We encourage all Indigenous music artists in the province to join our association,” said Parenteau.
“It is free. Becoming a member does not cost you anything. Signing up is the best way we can make this organization bigger. We are here to help you. That helping hand is finally here to help you. Tell people and spread the word.”
Indigenous musicians canvisit facebook.com/saskindigmusic for more information on how to become a member.
Another event they plan to hold is an Indigenous music festival to further promote Indigenous musicians and their songs in their respective communities and the entire province.
“We are going to stick with Saskatchewan. We want to focus on our people In Saskatchewan and get them out there to perform for everyone,” added Parenteau.
“We committed to raising the profile of Indigenous music in the province and improving the music community for Indigenous musicians. We will support all their genres of music for everyone to succeed.”
He said an organization like SIMA, whose board is made up of different individuals in the province with diverse experience in the music industry, has been long overdue. It is about time they came together to form a group to help new young musicians, he said.
“Especially for the indigenous youth that is playing and unsure what to do and where to go. This is one of the reasons why this organization started. It is a vision I had for a long time,” said Parenteau, who runs a music school in Prince Albert.
“I brought it to the forefront almost two years ago and put the board together. I called on everybody and everyone who has the same belief and vision that I have. We all believe you can take your music farther than the walls of your home where you were born and raised.”
Parenteau, who plays the guitar and the fiddle, added there might have been countless times the musical dreams of Indigenous youth with the talent to succeed ended up only within the four walls of their homes.
“This gives them an opportunity. Now you have an organization with all these years of experience in all different genres. If you have a question for us, reach out to us. We'll gladly help you. That’s what the whole point of this is for,” Parenteau said.
