ST. PAUL – On Sept. 9, Shauit, a singer-songwriter from Maliotenam, Quebec, serenaded members of the community as part of his tour in Alberta.
Shauit won the Indigenous Music Award for Best Indigenous-Language Album in 2018, as well as the Indigenous Songwriter of the Year at the 14th Canadian Folk Music Award. He’s played throughout North America. The concert was hosted by ACFA Régionale de Saint-Paul.
Born to an Acadian father and an Innu mother, Shauit says his music is deeply rooted in his culture. He blends traditional First Nations music with pop-rock and reggae.
“I do somewhat of a workshop within the show, because I like to talk about the drums, the culture, and how we have adopted other musical instruments like the violin, accordion, and the guitar,” he says.
Speaking of his visit to the province and the Lakeland specifically, Shauit smiles, saying he loves the countryside feel. “We are really liking it around here. It’s pretty interesting to discover all these places,” he says.
He also thanked everyone who came out to see him and his band.
“I’m really glad that you came to see us play at each show. I see that people are interested, so that gives us the energy to continue.”
Shauit’s visit to the Lakeland also included Bonnyville and Lac La Biche.
He also played at other Alberta locations like Edmonton and Banff and headlined the kick-off party at the Canmore Festival of Art and Creativity in Canmore on Sept. 13.
Shauit’s last performance in the province was in Grande Prairie at the Muskoseepi Park Centennial Amphitheatre on Sept. 22, before returning to Quebec.
