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Our Story
N’we Jinan, whose name means “we live here” in James Bay (Eastern) Cree, was coined in 2014 by former Grand Chief of the Cree Nation Youth Council, Joshua Iserhoff.
N’we Jinan began as a one-week intensive program for youth to learn about and acquire skills in sound recording, music production, songwriting, and performance. Through the Mobile Music and Production Studio, original songs were created that centred on themes of cultural identity, language, struggle, love, and self-acceptance. To date, more than 900 First Nations youth have participated across 70 communities, resulting in 140 songs and videos that have been viewed more than 20 million times online.
The N’we Jinan Mobile Production Studio has given participants an opportunity to write, edit, practice, perform, and share their talents with the entire world. The Studio encourages youth to build confidence and creates healthy space for collaboration, teamwork, and peer to peer support.
Meet our
Team
Team bios are coming soon.
Thank you for your patience :)
Executive Director
Andrea True Joy Fox
Director of Cultural Engagement
Shaneen Fox
Artist Liaison & Program Support
Francine Cunningham
Bio coming soon.
Director of Programming
Jaimie Isaac
Wellness & Support Services Manager
Azure Robertson
Executive Assistant & Administrative Support
Daisy Lahache
Bio coming soon.
Director of Education & Outreach
Jacqueline Short
Program Lead & YAA Coordinator
Megan Feheley
General Administrative Support
Kiowa Thunder Chief
Bio coming soon.
Our Mission and Vision
Our mission is to cultivate a supportive network for Indigenous youth and artists through arts-based learning, skills training, and mentorship, empowering them to feel confident in creatively shaping the future. We believe that "your story is your strength," and we encourage curiosity, the challenge of injustice and inequity, and the growth of reciprocal relationships. These values are interconnected and serve our overarching goal of honoring Indigenous cultures, languages, traditions, and belief systems.
Our impact in numbers
72%
Of participants feel confident applying their creative skills to a professional area.
78%
Of participants feel a sense of belonging or connection to other artists.
87%
Of participants feel more comfortable dealing with change.
89%
Of participants have a better idea of who to turn ask for support.