Fall River talent thrilled to sing at North American Indigenous Games

CITYnews halifax\ By Steve Gow

In addition to 16 sports competitions taking place over the last week in Halifax, the North American Indigenous Games have been a chance to celebrate indigenous culture.

One of those taking part is Deedee Austin, a 17-year-old Indigenous singer from fall river.

Taking the main stage at the games’ Cultural Village this Saturday, she says she’s thrilled to share her experience from the stage.

“Just to be a part of it is an honour in itself,” says the Fall River singer. “But to be performing and play a part in the North American Indigenous games, it’s so special and its so powerful too.”

NAMED Music Nova Scotia’s Indigenous artist of the year in 2022, for her debut EP, Stepping Stones, Austin says she’s excited to have the chance to showcase her cultural perspective as a member of the Abegweit first nation.

“I have special moments within my set that I think will hit people in the crowd pretty hard,” says the singer behind Buried Truth, a song she wrote about overcoming residential school trauma. “So I am looking forward just to have time to share my perspective on my culture too.”

DeeDee Austin will appear on the Main Stage in the Cultural Village in Halifax Common on Saturday at 3 p.m.