Global Audience Discovers Indigenous Artists Through Hit Show

This article is also available to read in Inuktitut.
Sha wnee Kish, a Mohawk artist, is delighted by the positive feedback she receives for her song No Evil, which is part of the show's soundtrack.
The song is a high-energy pop-rock anthem that appears in the third episode, which follows the story of a young Inuk woman navigating her new life.
Kish believes that her song has reached a wide audience, including both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people, which she finds very exciting.
As a Juno nominee, Kish is happy to see her music featured in a show that promotes female empowerment and strength.
The show's soundtrack also features other Juno nominees, including Inuit throat singing sisters PIQSIQ and Haisla hip-hop duo Snotty Nose Rez Kids.
The exposure that North of North brings to Indigenous artists allows them to share their authentic stories and educate people about Indigenous history and culture.
Shawnee Kish, a Juno-nominated Mohawk artist, recently spoke with CBC News about her experience.
Sta cey Aglok MacDonald, the co-creator and executive producer of North of North, is thrilled with the reaction to the show and its soundtrack.
MacDonald, who is Inuk, says that the series is led by Indigenous people and features music from artists who are friends and colleagues.
The involvement of Netflix in the series has helped to reach a mainstream, global audience, which made the creators eager to include Indigenous artists in the soundtrack.
MacDonald praises the role models on the set of North of North, saying that they are making music for their communities and for Indigenous people.
The soundtrack of North of North is a blend of different genres, including pop, rock, and throat singing, with covers of popular songs in Inuktitut.
The music supervisor, Michael Perlmutter, says that every song is chosen with a specific intention in mind.
Perlmutter believes that music is a universal language that can evoke emotions and energy, even if the listener does not understand the words.
The blending of traditional and contemporary music in North of North is also being recognized at the Juno awards, where Indigenous artists are increasingly being nominated.
At the 2025 Juno awards, there were 19 nominations for Indigenous artists, with five wins, including a win for Snotty Nose Rez Kids for rap album of the year.
Other Indigenous artists, such as PIQSIQ, William Prince, and Crystal Shawanda, have also been nominated outside of Indigenous categories.
Kish is happy to see her fellow Indigenous artists being recognized and celebrated, and she believes that it is a special honor to be nominated by her peers.
Alan Greyeyes, the director of the sākihiwē festival, says that recognition both within and outside of Indigenous categories is important for Indigenous artists.
Greyeyes suggests that the traditional Indigenous artist or group category should be split into more specific awards to reflect distinct cultural traditions.
He believes that organizations such as the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences should continue to provide performance opportunities for Indigenous artists, which contributes to cultural revitalization.
Greyeyes says that when Indigenous artists continue to create music, audiences grow, and cultural practices are reintroduced and strengthened.
Melody McKiver, an Anishinaabe musician and composer, says that music can provide opportunities to have deeper conversations about history, loss, and resilience.
Indigenous music is an integral part of Canada's cultural fabric and will continue to evolve, according to McKiver.
Kish believes that the visibility that comes with accolades like her Juno nominations can be used to build safe spaces for Indigenous people to express themselves.
She hopes to pass on this sense of possibility to the next generation of Indigenous artists, encouraging them to use their gifts and talents to show up and be themselves.
The story of North of North and its soundtrack is one of empowerment and celebration of Indigenous culture and music.
The show's creators are proud to have featured music by Indigenous artists, which has helped to reach a global audience.
The soundtrack of North of North is a testament to the diversity and richness of Indigenous music and culture.
The show's success has also highlighted the importance of providing opportunities for Indigenous artists to share their music and stories with a wider audience.
The recognition of Indigenous artists at the Juno awards is a significant step towards greater representation and inclusion in the music industry.
The blending of traditional and contemporary music in North of North is a reflection of the evolving nature of Indigenous music and culture.
The show's soundtrack has been well-received by audiences and critics alike, with many praising its eclectic and energetic mix of genres and styles.
The music supervisor's intention to choose songs that evoke emotions and energy has been successful, with the soundtrack receiving widespread critical acclaim.
The involvement of Netflix in the series has helped to reach a mainstream, global audience, which has been a significant factor in the show's success.
The show's creators are grateful for the opportunity to share Indigenous stories and music with a wider audience, and they hope to continue to do so in the future.
The story of North of North and its soundtrack is one of hope and celebration, highlighting the importance of Indigenous culture and music in contemporary society.