Talented Indigenous women carry the songs of their ancestors
GUELPH, ON September 24, 2026 — In She Carries the Song, “she” refers to three talented Indigenous artists, Celeigh Cardinal, Mimi O’Bonsawin, and Lacey Hill. These powerful women bring an intimate evening of music, story, and spirit to River Run Centre’s Main Stage on Friday, October 23 at 7:30 p.m.
This beautiful show offers an exciting start to River Run’s 2026/27 Go-to Season! She Carries the Song is part of the Miijidaa Music Series, presented with the support of Series Sponsor Miijidaa Café + Bistro. This series presents the immense talents of Indigenous artists in the Canadian music industry, such as Cardinal (Cree), O’Bonsawin (W8banaki), and Hill (Oneida/Mohawk).
Each of the three artists graces the stage for a solo set and then they come together to perform as a trio. Between individual spotlights and collaborative songs, these performances showcase their distinct voices, musical styles, and lived experiences.
Celeigh Cardinal is a compelling performer whose 2019 album, Stories from a Downtown Apartment, earned her a 2020 Juno Award for Indigenous Artist of the Year. Her latest album, Boundless Possibilities, received two Juno nominations in 2025 —Adult Contemporary Album of the Year and Contemporary Indigenous Artist of the Year — and that year, Cardinal won Indigenous Songwriter of the Year at the Canadian Folk Music Awards.
Mimi O’Bonsawin creates folk music with groove and whimsy, showcasing layers of percussion and unexpected harmonies. Her newest album, Evoke, just released in August, celebrates the joy of growing food and living in relationship with the land. In 2025, O’Bonsawin was named Solo Artist of the Year at the Trille Or Gala.
Lacey Hill describes her sound as “Indigenous soul,” grown from a passion for making music since she was a little girl. She kicked off 2025 with her single “Crazy 4 U” soaring to Number 1 on the Indigenous Music Countdown.
Along with Miijidaa Café + Bistro, this show is also made possible through the generous support of River Run’s returning Season Sponsor Richardson Wealth, Ontario Arts Council, and the Government of Canada.
Tickets to She Carries the Song are $49 for adults, $47 for patrons over 60 years old, and $29 for those under 30, or Subscribe & Save 20% when you buy tickets to four or more shows. Sliding Scale tickets are also available for $10 and $20. For more information or to purchase, call 519-763-3000, visit River Run’s Box Office at 35 Woolwich Street in Guelph, or purchase tickets online.
FOR INFORMATION
Kasia Rusiniak | Program Manager, Development and Marketing
River Run Centre
City of Guelph
519-837-5662 ext. 2589
[email protected]