Laura Niquay
Laura Niquay is an Atikamekw artist from the Indigenous community of Wemotaci in Quebec.
She made a name for herself with a debut album, Waratanak, released independently in 2015, which reflects the values of her community, respect for nature and the strength of women. In addition to being the first Atikamekw to perform at the Francofolies in Montreal, Laura Niquay received the 2011 Teweikan Music Gala's Emerging Talent Award as well as the Special Jury Award in 2017 for her body of work and involvement.
Since the release of Waratanak, Laura has been involved in several collaborations with artists from different backgrounds, resulting in a unique blend of artistic styles and approaches. In the summer of 2017, she composed the soundtrack for the play Là où le sang se mêle for Menuentakuan Productions in collaboration with Moe Clark, Quinn Bonnell and Travis Mercredi as part of a Musique nomade creative residency. Then, in August 2017, it was for the great Nikamotan MTL show, presented as part of the First Peoples' Festival, that Laura took the big stage at the Place des Festivals in Montreal. She performed there with Matiu, Shauit, Natasha Kanapé Fontaine, Esther Pennell, Sunny Duval, La Bronze, Random Recipe and Dramatik. In 2018 she became the recipient of 8 awards at the Vue sur la Relève festival in 2018.
In 2021, Laura Niquay reveals her universe better than ever, with Waska Matisiwin, a new indie-folk album with a good touch of grunge, which intertwines her Atikamekw heritage with her contemporary influences. A sensitive and amazing work, which deserves to be at the heart of the contemporary Quebec musical landscape this year.
During the Festival, Laura Niquay will take part in the Transmission show on August 4th, 8PM.