About the Indigenous Music Development Program

The Indigenous Music Development Program (IMDP) at Manitoba Music was launched in 2004 to support First Nation, Inuit, and Métis artists and music companies as they build sustainable careers in Manitoba’s music industry. The program delivers projects and services that respond to the needs of the industry as identified by a steering committee.

Vision
IMDP is recognized both at home and abroad as the driving force behind a vibrant Indigenous music community in Manitoba.

Mission 
To assist people in the Indigenous community in Manitoba to develop sustainable careers in music by connecting them with opportunities within Manitoba Music and beyond.

IMDP Projects and Services

INDIGENOUS MUSIC DEVELOPMENT STEERING COMMITTEE

The IMDP Steering Committee includes Indigenous people involved in Manitoba’s music industry. The committee receives reports about the program and ensures that it responds to the needs of Indigenous artists and industry. The committee advises staff on project delivery and on the industry itself, foregrounding trends and key issues as they arise. The Indigenous Music Development Program Steering Committee members are 

David McLeod, NCI FM
Desiree Dorion
Don Amero
Ila Barker
Jerry Sereda
MJ Dandeneau, MJ Entertainment Canada Inc.
Nikki Komaksiutiksak
Rhonda Head
Ruth Shead, University of Manitoba
Stun

CONTACT

Cassidy Mann
Indigenous Music Development Coordinator
She / Her
204-975-0284

Cassidy is an Indigenous artist with over 10 years of experience in the music industry. A member of Sagkeeng First Nation, she is a proud Anishinaabe woman. In 2023, Cassidy worked as a booking coordinator for Real Love Winnipeg/First Date Touring, where she organized and ran local shows in Winnipeg and helped coordinate international tours for artists on First Date’s roster. In 2020, driven to learn more about music production and the industry, Cassidy graduated with a diploma from Metalworks Institute in Mississauga, ON where she studied music business, audio production, and engineering. Throughout her time studying, Cassidy interned at Indie Music Week Canada, coordinating bi-weekly workshops and shows for local artists and industry members in Toronto. As a musician, she has toured internationally, earned two Western Canadian Music Award nominations for Indigenous Recording of the Year, landed a #1 spot on the Indigenous Music Countdown, and has participated in countless songwriting camps and music industry workshops throughout North America.