“In First Nations cultures, traditional songs and stories communicate histories, life lessons and philosophy from one generation to the next. Anishinaabe poet, singer/songwriter and MC Leonard Sumner has woven an enticing root-blues-rap-country fusion around that traditional content. Unblinkingly honest, Sumner’s lyrics are defiant yet vulnerable, and deliver the message: We are still here and our voices must be heard.”
AWArDS & NOMS
2021 Indigenous Music Awards, NSI Canada - TD/SOCAN Indigenous Songwriter of the Year Award Recipient
2019 Juno Awards - Indigenous Album of the Year Nominee
2017 Hnatyshyn Foundation - REVEAL Indigenous Art Award Recipient
2014 Aboriginal Peoples Choice Music Awards - Best New Artist Recipient - Best Folk/Acousic CV Nominee
2014 RBC On the Rise Award Recipient
2014 Winnipeg Arts Council Awards
NOTABLE PERFORMANCES
Folk Alliance, Montreal & Kansas City
Strombo Show w/ Shad & A Tribe Called Red
Vancouver, Winnipeg, Calgary & Montreal Folk Festivals
Interstellar Rodeo Winnipeg & Edmonton
Canada Games Countdown Concert
Indigenous Music Summit, Montreal
Sakihiwe Festival, Winnipeg
Opening Act for Everlast
Juno Fest