Emilio Wawatie

My name is Emilio Wawatie and I’m an Algonquin Anishnabe from Barrier Lake, Quebec. I’m currently finishing up my college Diploma in Music Performance studies and plan on continuing my education in music in University next fall. I am an activist, musician and a film maker and have been working in the arts on a national and international level for 5 years.

Throughout my life I was raised on the land, on the reserve and in various towns and cities. Being deeply rooted in my culture has played a big role in both my development as a person and as an artist. I do my best to be involved and to keep close ties with all the communities I’ve lived in, both Indigenous and non Indigenous. Being raised by my Grandparents on the land, I was enriched with cultural values, knowledge and practices which were instilled in me as a child. Throughout my teen years I experienced a lot of ups and downs, especially those that came with the urbanization of Indigenous peoples. Discrimination, violence, trauma and addiction have plagued chapters of my life, especially throughout the years I was disconnected from the bush. I was 17 when I left on my own. I began to travel and go back to reconnect with my roots and my family that is spread throughout the territory. It was at this point in my life where the spark was lit; that I realized and knew that I had to help carry on that flame.