Cikwes

BIO/DESCRIPTION

ᓀᐦᐃᔭᐤ Cikwesᓀᐦᐃᔭᐤ
Cikwes, is a nehiyaw ᓀᐦᐃᔭᐤ soul singer and a JUNO nominee from Bigstone Cree Nation. She is one of Canada’s unique artists; composing music with the ancient art of chanting & hand drumming, blending it with soul, jazz, and RnB. Her acclaimed album kâkîsimo ᑳᑮᓯᒧᐤ earned her a Juno nomination and recognition as a leading voice in Indigenous sound art. Cikwes’ music revives nehiyawewin (cree language). Singing in Cree and using traditional musical elements, she plays a role in language and cultural revitalization. She is part of the movement of Indigenous artists reclaiming language and culture. She has played over one hundred shows and shared stages with Aysanabee and Jeremy Dutcher. Her ethereal vocal style transform the Cree syllabics into sound art. Her heartfelt stories and songs take you on journey of intergenerational healing through the power of music. Cikwes holds a Master of Music from York University. Her music is recognized for several national and international music awards, including a Grammy consideration. Her third Cree language album, Nehiyaw Iskô was released on November 3, 2025.