Supporting Indigenous Music Artists in the Spirit of Cultural Sovereignty, Collaboration and Respect

Indigenous Music

The You Do You Foundation believes that Indigenous music, storytelling, languages, and cultural expression are essential to Canada's artistic landscape and must remain under the guidance, leadership, and stewardship of Indigenous peoples.

For generations, Indigenous voices have been marginalized through colonial policies that sought to suppress cultures, languages, traditions, and artistic expression. Music has always been a powerful vehicle for preserving identity, sharing knowledge, strengthening communities, and passing stories between generations. Supporting Indigenous artists today is not simply about creating opportunities—it is part of an ongoing commitment to reconciliation, cultural respect, and Indigenous self-determination.

As a national non-profit organization dedicated to empowering emerging artists and advancing equity within Canada’s music industry, the You Do You Foundation recognizes its responsibility to create meaningful opportunities for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis musicians while respecting Indigenous cultural protocols, knowledge systems, and creative leadership.

Our commitment is grounded in the understanding that Indigenous artists are the authentic custodians of their own stories, traditions, music, and cultural expressions. Indigenous communities must retain the right to maintain, protect, develop, and share their artistic and cultural heritage according to their own values and protocols.

The Foundation is committed to fostering relationships built on listening, trust, reciprocity, and long-term collaboration rather than transactional engagement. Whenever Indigenous cultures, traditions, languages, or stories are represented within our programs, we seek meaningful involvement from Indigenous artists, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, cultural advisors, and community organizations to ensure authenticity, respect, and shared leadership.

We recognize that cultural appropriation has historically contributed to the marginalization of Indigenous peoples by separating cultural expression from the communities that created it. The You Do You Foundation rejects practices that exploit or misrepresent Indigenous cultures and instead promotes cultural appreciation that is rooted in consent, collaboration, education, and mutual respect.

Our programming is designed to amplify Indigenous voices—not speak for them. We believe Indigenous artists should have equitable access to professional development, mentorship, funding opportunities, industry connections, performance platforms, and national audiences while maintaining full creative control over their work.

• Supporting Indigenous musicians, songwriters, producers, composers, DJs, and music entrepreneurs across Canada.
• Creating mentorship opportunities that connect Indigenous artists with established industry professionals while respecting Indigenous knowledge systems and artistic practices.
• Increasing visibility for Indigenous music through live performances, showcases, festivals, educational initiatives, and digital platforms.
• Building partnerships with Indigenous communities and organizations that are collaborative, respectful, and community-informed.
• Encouraging the preservation and celebration of Indigenous languages, traditional music, contemporary musical innovation, and intergenerational knowledge sharing.
• Promoting equitable representation within Canada’s music industry by removing barriers that have historically limited Indigenous participation and leadership.
• Ensuring our programs and organizational practices continue to evolve through ongoing learning, accountability, and meaningful dialogue with Indigenous communities.
• The You Do You Foundation affirms the principles outlined in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), including the rights of Indigenous peoples to maintain, control, protect, and develop their cultural heritage, traditional knowledge, languages, artistic expressions, and intellectual property.
• We believe artistic freedom carries with it the responsibility to honour the communities whose stories are being shared. Respect, reciprocity, and collaboration are essential to creating an arts sector that is inclusive, equitable, and reflective of Canada’s diverse cultural landscape.
• Reconciliation is not a single initiative but an ongoing commitment. Through our programming, partnerships, and artist development initiatives, the You Do You Foundation seeks to contribute to a music industry where Indigenous artists are empowered to lead, create, innovate, and thrive on their own terms.
• Our vision is a Canadian music ecosystem where Indigenous voices are celebrated, Indigenous cultures are respected, and Indigenous artists have every opportunity to shape the future of music in Canada while preserving the traditions, identities, and stories that continue to enrich our country.
• This version is suitable as a formal organizational policy or grant statement and is written specifically for a music-focused charitable foundation. It avoids reproducing the Canada Council’s language while preserving the same underlying principles of reconciliation, cultural sovereignty, respect, and Indigenous-led artistic expression.

The You Do You Foundation affirms the principles outlined in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), including the rights of Indigenous peoples to maintain, control, protect, and develop their cultural heritage, traditional knowledge, languages, artistic expressions, and intellectual property.

We believe artistic freedom carries with it the responsibility to honour the communities whose stories are being shared. Respect, reciprocity, and collaboration are essential to creating an arts sector that is inclusive, equitable, and reflective of Canada’s diverse cultural landscape.

Reconciliation is not a single initiative but an ongoing commitment. Through our programming, partnerships, and artist development initiatives, the You Do You Foundation seeks to contribute to a music industry where Indigenous artists are empowered to lead, create, innovate, and thrive on their own terms.

Our vision is a Canadian music ecosystem where Indigenous voices are celebrated, Indigenous cultures are respected, and Indigenous artists have every opportunity to shape the future of music in Canada while preserving the traditions, identities, and stories that continue to enrich our country.

This version is suitable as a formal organizational policy or grant statement and is written specifically for a music-focused charitable foundation. It avoids reproducing the Canada Council’s language while preserving the same underlying principles of reconciliation, cultural sovereignty, respect, and Indigenous-led artistic expression.