Artist Spotlight: Anna Hoover - Bristol Bay, Alaska Anna Hoover holds Master’s Degrees in Documentary Filmmaking and Native American Art History. A Norwegian and Unangax̂ artist, Anna practices new media and documentary filmmaking out of Anchorage & Naknek, Alaska. Her inquisitive mind and creative skillset take her to many a far corner of Alaska and beyond, facilitating creative exchange and documenting timeless stories. She spends her summers managing the family business of commercial salmon fishing in Bristol Bay. Join her Artist Talk on Indigenous Art in a Modern World or her Workshop on Traditional Grass Sewing! Learn more about Anna: http://annahoover.net/ Learn more about her workshop: http://adakafestival.ca/workshops/event/traditional_grass_sewing

Five new works have been selected for the Yukon Permanent Art Collection. They cover a diverse range of art forms and styles, including carving, sculpture, beadwork and art jewelry by Yukon artists. Congratulations Ben Gribben, Tamika Knutson, Dennis Shorty, Teresa Vander Meer-Chassé and Lorraine Wolfe!

Join us for an incredible evening on Saturday, June 30th with Nive and the Deer Children from Greenland with opener by rising star Aasvia from Pangnirtung, Nunavut. Nive and the Deer Children play original hummable folk melodies with a streak of vocal jazz, or cowboy ballads with an elfin side. Aasiva is a young Inuktitut songwriter, who's sound is airy and lively, shaped by her melodious voice set against playful ukulele. With Inuktitut lyrics and delicate throat singing elements interwoven throughout her songs, Aasiva’s music offers a fresh, buoyant and distinctive twist on indie folk. Tickets go on sale tomorrow!

We are very excited to share the full 8-page festival program with you. Visit our website or click on this link. https://goo.gl/mUc3Wq Tickets for evening events will go on sale on Wednesday!

Calling all face painters! We are seeking three enthusiastic and creative face painters to help us on Canada Day, July 1st, this year! If you're interested in this paid position, please email Marion at programs@adakafestival.ca The face painting is part of the Kid's Tent. This is a fun space for children to express their creative spirit and explore music, art and storytelling. All activities are free!

Have you ever wanted to travel to Sweden to learn the intricate art of engraving on reindeer antler? Or learn the ancient techniques of spinning goat's wool from a Chilkat weaver? Or maybe visit with an Inuvialuit seamstress and make seal skin booties? We have you covered, right here in Whitehorse! Travel around the world this summer and try an Adäka workshop with one of our talented artists. The Adaka Workshop Series offers over 50 hands on workshops taught by local Yukon First Nations and Guest artists from across the circumpolar North! Come learn a new skill, meet local artists, and visit with our northern neighbours!

Artist Spotlight: Nancy Oakley - Eskasoni, Nova Scotia Joining us from the East Coast, from the community of Eskasoni, is Mi’kmaq and Wampanoag artist Nancy Oakley. As an artist she creates culturally significant vessels that imbue her spiritual and traditional knowledge and honour her role as a mother. Keep your eyes open for her workshop (and her Mama Bear pot!) Learn more: adakafestival.ca/artists/bio/nancy_oakley

We are offering a record breaking amount of workshops this year, and we can't wait to show you! With over 50 workshops to choose from there is something for everyone. Our workshop schedule will be up TOMORROW with registration starting Friday. Check back and tag a friend so they don't miss out!

Congratulations Jeneen Frei Njootli from the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation!

Thrilled to announce Aasiva will be playing at Adäka, opening for Nive Nielson and the Deer Children, Saturday June 30th at 7pm! Have a listen in the link below. Tickets to events will be available online later this week.

Artist Spotlight: Nive and the Deer Children - Greenland Nive Nielsen is a Greenlantic folk pop singer. A few fun facts about her: The first concert she ever played was for the queen of Denmark on national television; she acted in the Hollywood movie The New World starring Colin Farrell; and she actually is Inuit — well, Inuk — an indigenous Greenlander. Also, it’s daylight all summer where she lives. She also plays with her band called the Deer Children. Nive and the Deer Children play original hummable folk melodies with a streak of vocal jazz, or cowboy ballads with an elfin side. We are so excited to have this incredible Greenlandic band on our Mainstage Saturday, June 30th with opener by rising star Aasvia from Pangnirtung, Nunavut! Listen and learn more here: http://niveandthedeerchildren.com/