Nikamu Mamuitun II

Nikamu Mamuitun—“songs that unite us”—has been celebrating encounters and creative exchange between Indigenous and non-Indigenous artists since 2017, creating a space where music becomes a powerful vehicle for unity and sharing. Through the shared vision of Alan Côté (Festival en chanson de Petite-Vallée) and Florent Vollant, this project brings together artists from a wide range of backgrounds, alongside seasoned mentors and inspiring artistic leadership.

After the success of its first cohort, a new group of musicians is ready to wow audiences. Four Indigenous artists—Mimi O’Bonsawin (Abenaki, Ontario), Sandrine Masse (Wendat, Wendake), Pako (Atikamekw, Manawan), Willows (Red River Métis, Manitoba)—and three non-Indigenous artists—Mariko (Sainte-Émélie-de-l’Énergie), Velours Velours (Sainte-Anne-des-Monts/Trois-Rivières) and Luan Larobina (Latina-Gaspesian, Douglastown)—are bringing their voices together to create a shared body of work.

Under the musical direction of Ivan Boivin-Flamand and the artistic direction of Guillaume Arsenault, this new cohort has recorded an album at Studio Makusham and prepared a brand-new live show. Nikamu Mamuitun will take these new songs, written during the Festival en chanson de Petite-Vallée in fall 2025, on the road with a tour starting in April 2026, produced by Bleu Carpette.

Nikamu Mamuitun draws on connection and transmission to turn cultural plurality into a powerful musical force. The result is a striking, authentic performance shaped by unique personal and artistic connections. Originally started by the Festival en chanson de Petite-Vallée and Makusham Musique, Nikamu Mamuitun is overseen by REFRAIN (Regroupement des festivals régionaux artistiques indépendants) as part of EKOTE, an initiative that supports the promotion and dissemination of Indigenous arts.