BIMIWIZH

Indigenous Community Gatherings

Bimiwizh (Anishinaabemowin for “to carry, take along”) is IIMS on the move. Outside of our main International Indigenous Music Summit, we continue to nurture the spirit of gathering and connection through collaborative IIMS activations with communities across northern Turtle Island.

Through collaborations with regional partners, Bimiwizh spotlights incredible local Indigenous talent via dedicated community gatherings and showcases. We strive to create spaces for artists, organizers, and community members to share music, stories, challenges, and dreams for the future.

It’s about carrying the Summit with us — building relationships, exchanging knowledge, and strengthening the networks that sustain Indigenous music across territories and generations.
‍ ‍

Event poster for Bimwizh at Breakout West, part of the International Indigenous Music Summit, with a deadline to apply by August 14, 2026. The event is at unceded Lekwungen Territory, Victoria, BC, on September 30, 2026. The poster features logos of sponsors including FACTOR, Canada Council for the Arts, Ontario Arts Council, and others, with decorative floral elements and a red and black color scheme.

Previous Bimiwizh Gatherings & Activations

2026
JUNO WEEK
HAMILTON, ON

A wide-angle classroom-style photo with approximately 20 people seated and standing, smiling at the camera.

2025
BLUE FEATHER MUSIC FESTIVAL
WHITEHORSE, YT

A performance photo of Diyet & The Love Soldiers singing into the microphone. One is playing mandolin, one singing, one playing guitar.

2025
BREAKOUT WEST
WINNIPEG, MB

A photo of 10-15 people standing in a meeting room in a hotel, smiling at the camera.

2026
FOLK ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL
NEW ORLEANS, LA

A photo of two IIMS attendees embraced in a hug.

2025
FOLK CANADA CONFERENCE
OTTAWA, ON

A group photo of approximately 20 people standing in a meeting room in a foyer, smiling at the camera.

2024
MUNDIAL MONTREAL
MONTREAL, QC

A candid photo of a group of people sitting in a cirlce in a hotel room, casually having a discussion.

2024
FOLK MUSIC ONTARIO CONFERENCE
MISSISSAUGA, ON

A photo of 10-15 people standing in a meeting room in a hotel, smiling at the camera.

2024
BREAKOUT WEST
SASKATOON, SK

A group photo of 10-15 people standing, some kneeling, in a hotel hallway, smiling at the camera.

2024
FOLK ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL
KANSAS CITY, MO

A photo of 5 Indigenous performers on stage, saluting the crowd. Some are wearing traditional Indigenous regalia.

2023
JUNOS WEEK
EDMONTON, AB

A candid photo of a few people sitting in chairs at a gathering in a hotel meeting room. The main 2 male subjects can be seen laughing.

2022
2 RIVERS REMIX FESTIVAL
ST’UXWTEWS/
CACHE CREEK, BC

An outdoor photo of a group of people sitting in a circle, on chairs in a grassy field. There is a large hill in the background. The sky looks dramatic, with a mix of thick and whispy clouds on a blue sky.

2022
PRISMATIC
ARTS FESTIVAL
KJIPUKTUK/
HALIFAX, NS

A photo of 10-15 people, some standing and others crouched on the ground in the front. They are in a meeting room with an exposed ceiling, smiling at the camera.