sākihiwē festival 2026 - Day 3: Ivan Flett Memorial Dancers, Aaron Peters, Big Tones, Zhe the Free, Amanda Gendron, Willows, and Winston Wuttunee

The 17th annual sākihiwē festival continued with its third day at the Turtle Island Neighbourhood Centre on June 27, 2026, celebrating Indigenous excellence through a day of music, culture, and community. Featuring captivating performances from Indigenous artists Aaron Peters, Big Tones, Amanda Gendron, Willows, and Winston Wuttunee. The day kicked off with a Pow Wow demonstration from the Rising Sun Pow Wow Club, Blazing Buffalo, and Thunderbird Coming. The day concluded with a Red River jig performance from the Ivan Flett Memorial Dancers.

Since launching as Aboriginal Music Week in 2009, the festival has grown into one of Canada's premier Indigenous music celebrations. Produced by Aboriginal Music Manitoba, sākihiwē continues to create meaningful opportunities for Indigenous artists while fostering connections with audiences through diverse programming year-round. Fresh off receiving the 2025 Western Canadian Music Award for Community Excellence, the festival's opening night was a fitting reminder of why sākihiwē remains such a vital platform for Indigenous voices, setting an inspiring tone for another unforgettable weekend of music and celebration.

Pow Wow. Photos by Samuel Stevens Photography

Winston Wuttunee. Photos by Samuel Stevens Photography

Amanda Gendron & Willows. Photos by Samuel Stevens Photography

Big Tones & Zhe the Free. Photos by Samuel Stevens Photography

Aaron Peters. Photos by Samuel Stevens Photography

Ivan Flett Memorial Dancers. Photos by Samuel Stevens Photography