---
title: 'Mâwacihitowinihk Nikamowak: Indigenous Music Residency'
description: >-
  Three-week Indigenous music residency at Banff Centre to develop, record, and
  perform work. Full funding (100% scholarship) covers tuition, housing, and
  meals.
url: 'https://www.artsume.com/programs/01a3cbaf-c099-477d-8512-0d29cff0e32f'
type: program
status: closed
createdAt: '2026-05-25'
updatedAt: '2026-09-30'
programType: Residency
organization: Banff Centre
organizationUrl: 'https://www.artsume.com/o/banff-centre'
deadline: '2026-08-12'
entryFee: 35 CAD
location: 'Banff Centre, Banff, AB, Canada'
isOnline: false
compensationRange: >-
  100% scholarship covering full program fee ($8,295 CAD), single-bedroom
  accommodation, and meal plan ($68/day credit). No out-of-pocket program cost
  for accepted Indigenous participants.
disciplines:
  - music
  - songwriting
  - vocal performance
  - rap
  - electronic music
---

# Mâwacihitowinihk Nikamowak: Indigenous Music Residency

**Hosted by:** Banff Centre

**Type:** Residency | **Location:** Banff Centre, Banff, AB, Canada | **Deadline:** August 12, 2026 | **Entry fee:** CA$35

## About This Program

Mâwacihitowinihk Nikamowak (Plains Cree for 'they sing at the gathering place,' referring to Sacred Guardian Buffalo Mountain) is a three-week music residency centring on collaboration, refinement, and presentation of work through audio production and live performance. The program invites Indigenous musicians of various genres to develop songs that are nearly completed or finished into their final stages, supported by faculty, peers, and Banff Centre's audio production team. Participants engage in faculty-led workshops, one-on-one sessions, 24hr studio and music hut access, professional recording sessions (non-commercial use), and public performance opportunities. Open to solo artists and duos. Full funding — a 100% scholarship — covers tuition, accommodation, and meals for all Indigenous participants.

## Eligibility & Requirements

- **Geographic Eligibility:** International
- **Disciplines:** music, songwriting, vocal performance, rap, electronic music
- **Age Requirements:** 18+ years old
- **Note:** Open to Indigenous people from all regions — locally, nationally, and internationally. Must be 18+ at program start date. Open to solo artists and duos. Banff Centre programs do not meet eligibility requirements for a Canadian Student Visa; international participants must obtain a Visitor Visa.

### Additional Requirements

Resume/CV (2 pages); one-page cover letter explaining interest and goals; project proposal (500 words or 3-minute video) including theme, materials/facilities needed, and timeline; Resource Request Form outlining studio, equipment, software, facility, or staff support needed; portfolio of minimum 3 and maximum 5 examples of completed projects and works in progress (live or self recordings); 2–3 samples of completed songs or works in progress; Financial Aid section completion in SlideRoom for scholarship consideration. Duo applicants: all resumes in one document; lead applicant submits one application form and pays $35 fee; additional $35 registration fee added per member upon acceptance.

## Compensation & Benefits

100% scholarship covering full program fee ($8,295 CAD), single-bedroom accommodation, and meal plan ($68/day credit). No out-of-pocket program cost for accepted Indigenous participants.

## What's Provided

- **Housing:** Provided - Single bedroom on the Banff Centre campus for the duration of the program.
- **Studio Access:** Provided - 24hr access to studios and/or music huts for songwriting and performance preparation. Professional audio recording studio with Banff Centre's audio production team (non-commercial use included; commercial recording subject to availability and additional fees).

## Timeline

- **Opens:** May 25, 2026
- **Deadline:** August 12, 2026
- **Program Start:** November 16, 2026
- **Program End:** December 4, 2026

## Contact

**Email:** Admissions@banffcentre.ca

**Phone:** 403.762.6180

## How to Apply

Apply at: https://www.banffcentre.ca/programs/mawacihitowinihk-nikamowak-indigenous-music-residency