Canadian Radio Broadcasters Unite on September 30 to Amplify Indigenous Voices with A DAY TO LISTEN 2023

TORONTO (September 26, 2023) – In recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, broadcasters across Canada once again come together to use the power of radio to elevate Indigenous voices with A DAY TO LISTEN 2023. The 12-hour broadcast is produced by the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund (DWF) in partnership with Orbyt Media, and can be heard on nearly 500 Canadian radio stations on Saturday, Sept. 30 from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. (local time). Singer-songwriter William Prince returns to host the special for the second year. He’s joined by two new co-hosts, singer-songwriter Aysanabee and ShoShona Kish of the band Digging Roots. Together the hosts share stories and interviews from Indigenous community leaders, artists, creators, and more. The complete list of interviewees, as well as the nearly 500 participating radio stations, can be found at ADayToListen.ca. “From boardrooms to classrooms to radio stations to our homes, we can all Do Something to move reconciliation forward,” said Sarah Midanik, President & CEO, Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund. “Thank you to our partners and the nearly 500 radio stations from coast to coast to coast who are once again using their platforms to amplify Indigenous voices. And miigwetch to the millions of people in Canada who will tune in for A DAY TO LISTEN 2023.” This year’s theme is Mino Bimaadiziwin: Honouring Indigenous Identity. Mino Bimaadiziwin means “the good life” in Anishinabemowin. Special guests including Buffy Sainte-Marie, Dr. Amy Cardinal Christianson, Dr. Cindy Blackstock, and former NHL player Jordin Tootoo speak about their Indigenous identity through conversations about representation, the fusion of traditional and contemporary music, land protection, and the impacts of climate change. “We are excited and proud to partner once again with the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund on this special project,” said Jennifer Morrison, Senior Manager at Orbyt Media. “It’s wonderful to see hundreds of stations of all formats, sizes, and locations come together to recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.” Canadians are invited to visit the official DWF website throughout the day to learn more about their programming, including the Legacy Schools program, which provides schools and educators with free educational tools and resources to teach about the true history of residential schools; the unique rights, interests, and perspectives of Indigenous Peoples; and reconciliation. DWF is an Indigenous-led national charity that aims to build cultural understanding and create a path toward reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. Listeners can learn how they can Do Something to move reconciliation forward by visiting downiewenjack.ca. In addition to the 12-hour radio special, Canadians can also listen to extended interviews and conversations starting Saturday, Sept. 30 through the A DAY TO LISTEN podcast, which can be found on all major podcast platforms. About the Hosts: William Prince – William Prince approaches the big questions with humility and curiosity. Prince’s influences and references span the pantheon of classic outlaw country singers, baseball, and the great beyond, all of which shape his approach to songcraft and offer a masterclass in skillful simplicity. Prince’s momentum has continued to build, with each new album adding depth and dimension to an exceptional body of work that has received international acclaim. He is becoming one of today’s most respected and celebrated songwriters. Prince continues to carve out a place for an Indigenous Peguis First Nation artist in Americana music. Aysanabee – Hailing from Oji-Cree Sucker Clan of Sandy Lake First Nation in Northwestern Ontario, Aysanabee is a Toronto-based artist, multi-instrumentalist, producer, and singer-songwriter. Shortlisted for the 2023 Polaris Music Prize, he’s garnered many impressive accolades, including winning three 2023 Summer Solstice Indigenous Music Awards, the 2023 Jim Beam Indie Award for Indigenous Artist of the Year, a 2023 Canadian Live Music Award, and a 2023 JUNO nomination for Contemporary Indigenous Group or Artist of the Year. Earlier this year, Aysanabee made history by reaching number one on Mediabase Canada’s Alternative Rock chart. Aysanabee is set to release his next EP Here and Now in October. ShoShona Kish – An Anishinaabekwe community organizer, activist, producer, and songwriter, ShoShona is a visionary force in the music world. As a two-time JUNO Award-winning artist and co-leader of the groundbreaking band Digging Roots alongside her partner Raven Kanatakta, her music defies boundaries by melding Indigenous, blues, Americana and rock influences. She co-founded Ishkōdé Records in 2021 which has been nominated for ‘Independent Label of the Year’, founded the International Indigenous Music Summit, and has been the recipient of the CIMA ‘Stronger Award’. An advocate and curator, she’s collaborated with esteemed institutions around the globe and received accolades including JUNO, WOMEX and Canadian Folk Music Awards.