Iskwew Singers

Iskwew Singers are a Vancouver-based, Canadian professional trio of First Nations women who create and perform songs in the Plains tradition that tell stories of the connection to the Earth, the Creator, and one another. The heartbeat of Mother Earth is heard through their hand drums, underscoring a message of culture from a people who have survived the impacts of colonization.

Coming from the Cree Nation of Canada, Fara Palmer is joined by Cree/Métis singers Krystle Pederson and Sandy Scofield—each with an active career in other forms of music. Through Iskwew, these powerful singers bring the songs and sounds of their rich and vibrant culture to the ears of the world.

Songlines describes their vocals as “glorious and thrilling.” The Georgia Straight says, "When the three sing together, their collective joy and pride is magical. They're all strong women, and powerful ambassadors for First Nations culture."

They perform at local, regional, national, and international music festivals and cultural events. Internationally, they have performed at the 2014 International Languages Festival in Creel, Mexico, the 2012 Yoreme Encuentro Festival in various locations throughout Sinaloa, Mexico, the 2011 Rainforest World Music Festival in Borneo, Malaysia, the Ollin Kan International World Music Festival in Mexico City, 2009, and the First Peoples' Festival in France, 2006. Nationally, they have performed at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa, Vancouver's Chan Centre for the Performing Arts, the 2014 Vancouver Folk Festival, the 2013 Edmonton Folk Festival, and the 2012 Lunenburg Folk Harbour Festival in Nova Scotia.

Iskwew Singers wear traditional clothing or regalia and play hand drums and rattles; each song is a story, and these stories are told. Not wanting to leave audiences in their seats, they engage them in a final 'friendship round dance' before their show is over.