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 songwriting 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.

*Financial aid of 100% is available for this program.

Program Dates: November 20 – December 8, 2023
Application Deadline: September 6, 2023

Learn more and apply online: banffcentre.ca.