Kym Gouchie BIO
With ancestral roots in the Lheidli T’enneh, Cree and Secwépemc Nations, Kym Gouchie is fostering change through her music and art. Her music and storytelling bring awareness to First Nations and women’s issues, promoting reconciliation and community building while reminding us that we are all in this together. Her stories are a testament to the human spirit, weaving together threads of her own journey from personal tragedy to triumph.
Kym’s traditional hand drum, acoustic guitar, full-bodied voice and authentic storytelling make her a powerful force. She performs solo, duo, trio and full band, bringing in talented collaborators on vocal harmonies, cello, keys, mandolin, banjo and electric guitar. Indigenous-folk and country tones alongside her poignant lyrics capture the hearts of young and old — her eloquent performances are known for their lasting impact, instilling messages of inspiration and hope.
Kym is also a renowned visual artist with her art gracing the cover of the important and national bestselling book “Highway of Tears” by Jessica McDiarmid, on the lanyard for the 2022 BC Summer Games medals, and in a myriad of other places. In addition, she works as a Cultural Ambassador, Presenter and Advocate and is regularly called upon by provincial, national and international organizations to offer Indigenous insight and acts as a healing bridge, connecting hearts and minds for positive growth.
A respected elder-in-training of the Lheidli T’enneh Nation, also known as Prince George, BC, Kym has been speaking, emceeing and performing at theatres, festivals, schools, conferences, traditional welcoming ceremonies, and cultural gatherings for over 20 years.
Long Bio (click to expand & collapse)
With ancestral roots in the Lheidli T’enneh, Cree and Secwépemc Nations, Kym Gouchie is fostering change through her music and art. Her music and storytelling bring awareness to First Nations and women’s issues, promoting reconciliation and community building while reminding us that we are all in this together. Her stories are a testament to the human spirit, weaving together threads of her own journey from personal tragedy to triumph.
Kym’s traditional hand drum, acoustic guitar, full-bodied voice and authentic storytelling make her a powerful force. She performs solo, duo, trio and full band, bringing in talented collaborators on vocal harmonies, cello, keys, mandolin, banjo and electric guitar. Indigenous-folk and country tones alongside her poignant lyrics capture the hearts of young and old — her eloquent performances are known for their lasting impact, instilling messages of inspiration and hope.
Kym is also a renowned visual artist with her art gracing the cover of the important and national bestselling book “Highway of Tears” by Jessica McDiarmid, on the lanyard for the 2022 BC Summer Games medals, and in a myriad of other places. In addition, she works as a Cultural Ambassador, Presenter and Advocate and is regularly called upon by provincial, national and international organizations to offer Indigenous insight and acts as a healing bridge, connecting hearts and minds for positive growth.
An inspirational mother of four and grandmother of nine, Kym is a respected elder-in-training of the Lheidli T’enneh Nation, also known as Prince George, BC. She is an Aboriginal advocate, a spokeswoman and member of the Aboriginal School District Elders and Knowledge Keepers Committee, and a member of the Kh’astan Drummers in that region. She has been speaking, emceeing and performing at theatres, festivals, schools, conferences, traditional welcoming ceremonies, and cultural gatherings for over 20 years.
Musical highlights in recent years include being one of four featured performers on BC Premier John Horgan’s LIVE online concert at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown and receiving Stingray Music’s “Rising Star” Award in the Indigenous category at Mundial Montreal’s international World Music conference in 2019. Her performance led to invitations to speak at the 2020 Folk Alliance International Music Conference and to perform with her keyboard accompanist Brigitte Demeter at the International Indigenous Music Summit in New Orleans, USA. Kym’s singles get continual airplay on SiriusXM in the US and Canada and have charted on Canada’s National Aboriginal Top 40 Music Countdown more than once and remained there for several months, with “Sister Rain” reaching #1 in 2015. Her single “For the People” was selected by Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission for a compilation CD to educate Canadians about the nation’s residential school legacy and, after performing and interviewing LIVE on CBC’s national radio show The Current for a special broadcast on the issue of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls, her song “Cleansing the Highway” was picked up by a Toronto composer who arranged it for orchestra and recorded it.
Kym is currently working on various projects which include a Children’s Album geared towards resurrecting and teaching her Indigenous language. She is also writing a one-woman play titled “Her Blood Runs Through My Braids” which is an expose honouring her four Grandmothers and how their lives have taught and inspired her.
What They Say…
LIVE shows
“Kym Gouchie is an artist who has the ability to momentarily make us feel that time can stand still. Performing with a combination of soulful expression, focused intent, integrity, and artistic depth, Gouchie embraces and holds audiences while imparting messages and truths in songs that need to be heard. Kym Gouchie is a force… As artistic director of the Salmon Arm Roots & Blues Festival I have witnessed Kym Gouchie mesmerize an audience and inspire fellow artists. Kym is a truly unique artist who seamlessly blends the contemporary with the traditional.”
~ Peter North, Artistic Director/Salmon Arm Roots & Blues
VIRTUAL shows
“We recently included Kym and Northern Sky’s incredible performance during our virtual Board meeting with municipal leaders from across Canada. The feedback from our Board Members was so positive – I heard that it was the “best ZOOM break I’ve ever had” and that people didn’t want to leave their computers to go get lunch or coffee because they were enjoying Kym’s music so much. We all appreciate you for being such a special, memorable part of our virtual meeting, Kym”
– Garth Frizzell, President – Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM)
Promo Photos
click to enlarge, right-click to download
Performances
Theatre Concerts, Community Halls, Festivals, Conferences, Event MC, School Shows, Traditional Welcome
Upcoming Shows & Workshops
August 27, 2024
Village of Stellaquo, BC • Salmonfest
September 7, 2024
Prince George, BC • EMCEE: Coldsnap presents ‘An Evening with Stephen Fearing’
September 20-21, 2024
Summerland, BC • Ryga Festival
September 26, 2024
Courtenay, BC • Sid Williams Theatre
September 27, 2024
Gabriola Island, BC • Gabriola Theatre Centre
September 28, 2024
Vancouver, BC • Rogue Folk Club
September 29, 2024
Salmon Arm, BC • Song Sparrow Hall
Past…
Jan 15, 2024
Prince George, BC • Harwin Elementary
Jan 18, 2024
Prince George, BC • École College Heights Elementary
Jan 24, 2024
Prince George, BC • Quinson Elementary
Jan 25, 2024
Prince George, BC • Beaverly Elementary
Jan 26, 2024
Prince George, BC • École Lac des Boi
Feb 12, 2024
Prince George, BC • Peden Hill
Feb 15, 2024
Prince George, BC • Blackburn/Giscome
Feb 23, 2024
Prince George, BC • Glenview Elementary
March 5, 2024
Prince George, BC • 2024 Para Biathlon World Championships Opening Ceremony
March 9, 2024
Edmonton, AB • Northern Lights Folk Club / Women of Folkways
March 12, 2024
Red Deer, AB • The Outreach Centre
April 5, 2024
Langley, BC • BEZ Arts
April 6, 2024
Coquitlam, BC • Evergreen Cultural Centre
April 7, 2024
North Vancouver BC • The BlueShore at CapU
April 8, 2024
Chilliwack, BC • Bozzinis
April 9, 2024
Penticton BC • The Dream Cafe
May 1, 2024
Hixon, BC • Children’s Concert
May 25, 2024
Prince George BC • Northern Hospitality Music Festival / Knox Performing Arts Centre
June 6, 2024
Prince George BC • College of New Caledonia Opening Ceremonies
June 7, 2024
Whitehorse, Yukon • School Show + Artist Talk
June 8, 2024
Whitehorse, Yukon • Midnight Sun Moppets Children’s Festival
July 11, 2024 as part of the Song Warriors of the North
Sidney, BC • Mary Winspear Theatre
July 12-14, 2024 as part of the Song Warriors of the North
Comox, BC • Vancouver Island Music Festival
July 17, 2024
Vernon, BC • Music at the Mackie
July 18, 2024
Trail, BC, • Music in the Park presented by Trail & District Arts Council
July 19-21, 2024
Vancouver BC • Vancouver Folk Music Festival (tickets)
2023 SHOWS
Aug 18-20, 2023
Fort St. James, BC • Music in the Mountain Festival
Aug 4-6, 2023
Pender Island BC • Mosaic Festival
July 14-16, 2023
Bella Coola, BC • Bella Coola Music Festival
July 13, 2023
Williams Lake BC • Performances in the Park
July 12, 2023
Salmon Arm, BC • Wednesday on the Wharf Concert Series
July 11, 2023
Summerland, BC • TBA
July 9, 2023
Kamloops, BC • 2 Rivers Remix: St’uxwtews•Feast
June 30-July 2, 2023
Smithers, BC • Smithers Midsummer Music Festival
June 25, 2023
Dawson Creek, BC • Opening for Aysanabee @ KPAC Theatre
June 24, 2023
Dawson Creek, BC • Multicultural Festival
June 15-16, 2023
McBride & Valemount, BC • School Shows
June 1, 2023
Prince George, BC • College of New Caledonia Convocation Ceremonies
May 15-19, 2023
Dawson Creek, BC • School Shows & Workshops
May 8-12, 2023
Chetwynd, BC • School Shows & Workshops
April 19, 2023
McBride, BC • School Shows
April 18, 2023
Valemount, BC • School Show
April 15, 2023
Prince George, BC • Performing with the Prince George Symphony Orchestra
April 12, 2023
Mackenzie, BC • School Show
March 29, 2023
Penticton, BC • TBA
March 17, 18, 19 2023
Chase, BC • Secwepemc Dreamcatchers Conference
March 14, 2023
Prince George, BC • Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls Conference
March 11, 2023
Kitimat, BC • Kitimat Concert Society
March 10, 2023
Terrace, BC • Terrace Concert Society
March 9, 2023
Burns Lake, BC • Lakes District Arts Council
March 2, 2023
Prince George, BC • BC Tourism Conference Awards Ceremony
Feb 22, 2023
Prince George, BC • House of Ancestors / PGNAETA
Jan 27 – March 6, 2023
Prince George BC • School Shows
January 16-26, 2023
Prince George, BC • Youth Workshops
November 2, 2022
Prince George, BC • MMIWG Private Event
September 28, 2022
Quesnel, BC • Cultural Days w/ Quesnel Live Arts & Quesnel Arts Council
September 11, 2022
Prince George, BC • Red Dress Campaign Event
Saturday, August 13
Prince George BC • Best Damn Music Festival
July 22-24, 2022
Kispiox Valley, BC • Kispiox Valley Music Festival
July 21, 2022
Prince George BC • BC Summer Games Opening Ceremonies
July 9 & 10, 2022
Harrison Hot Springs • Harrison Festival
Friday, July 8
Cache Creek, BC • 2 Rivers Remix Contemporary Indigenous Music Feast
Thursday, July 7
Blind Bay, BC • Music in the Bay
Wednesday, July 6
Kamloops, BC • 2RiverRemix – Tk’emlups te Secwepemc Powwow Arbour
Friday, July 1
Fort St John BC • Canada Day Celebrations
Saturday, June 25
Dawson Creek, BC • South Peace Arts Council Multi-Cultural Event
Friday, June 24
Dawson Creek, BC • Nawican Bergeron Youth Council
Thursday, June 23
Dawson Creek, BC • Kiwanis Performing Arts Centre
Tuesday, June 21
Vanderhoof BC • National Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration
June 18, 2022
Virtual • Common Thread Spring Concert
June 18, 2022
Salmon Arm, BC • Songsparrow Hall
June 14, 2022
Armstrong, BC • School Show & Workshop
June 11, 2022
Tofino, BC • Clayquot Sound Theatre
June 10, 2022
Hornby Island, BC • Hornby Islnd Arts
June 9, 2022
Parksville, BC • Knox United presents
June 8, 2022
Gibsons, BC • High Beam Dreams
June 4, 2022
Prince George • College of New Caledonia
June 1, 2022
Prince George, BC • School Shows
May 25, 2022
Prince George, BC • School Shows
May 19, 2022
Prince George, BC • School Shows
May 14, 2022
Smithers, BC • Logpile Sessions/Concert
May 14, 2022
Smithers, BC • School Shows
May 6, 2022
Prince George, BC • School Shows
April 22, 2022
McBride, BC • Schools
April 21, 2022
Prince George BC • School Shows
April 1 & 2, 2022
Penticton, BC • Ignite the Arts Festival
March 27, 2022
Prince George, BC • Coldsnap for Kids • Tix & more info
February 19, 2021
Tofino BC, Concert • Location TBA • POSTPONED
February 18, 2021
Courtenay BC, Concert • Location TBA • LIVE Show Postponed
February 17, 2022
Duncan BC, Concert • Location TBA • LIVE show Postponed
2021 Shows & Workshops
October 2021 • TBA
Prince George BC, Concert • Lheidli T’enneh First Nation
June 24, 2021
ONLINE Cultural Presentation & Land Acknowledgement • Choral Canada
June 24, 2021
ONLINE Cultural Presentation & Land Acknowledgement • BC Arts Council Virtual Arts Assembly
June 23, 2021
ONLINE Concert & Presentation • Making Tomorrow Better Conference
June 21-25, 2021
Dawson Creek BC, ONLINE Concert • Kiwanis Performing Arts Centre
June 21, 2021
ONLINE Concert with Leela Gilday • Do Stuff Together
June 21, 2021
Dawson Creek BC, ONLINE Concert & Storytelling Presentations • BC School District #59
June 5, 2021
Kelowna BC, ONLINE Concert • Rotary Centre for the Arts
May 15, 2021
Osoyoos BC, ONLINE Concert • Osoyoos & District Arts Council
May 3 & 4, 2021
ONLINE Concert & Presentation • BC Links to Learning Symposium
April 15-18, 2021 • 7:30pm EDT
Toronto Ont., ONLINE Concert • Grandmothers to Grandmothers Campaign of the Stephen Lewis Foundation
April 13 & 14, 2021
BC, ONLINE Presentation & Traditional Drumming Workshop, First Peoples’ Cultural Council
April 8-9, 2021
Burnaby BC, ONLINE Short 5 Showcase• Pacific Contact
April 7, 2021
BC • School Shows Guest Artist (private sessions)
March 31, 2021
Toronto Ont., • Common Thread Community Chorus Guest Artist (private session)
March 20, 2021
Trail BC, ONLINE Concert • The Bailey Theatre, Trail & District Arts Council
March 19, 2021
Vernon BC, ONLINE Concert • Vernon & District Performing Arts Online Concert
March 7, 2021 • 11:00am
BC-wide • BC Touring Council: On The Road Ahead Workshop Speaker
March 5, 2021 • 7:30pm
Nelson BC, ONLINE Concert • Capitol Theatre
March 5, 2021 • 8pm
Revelstoke BC, ONLINE Concert • Arts Revelstoke
February 4, 2021 • 8:15pm PST
Prince George BC, ONLINE Concert • Coldsnap Festival
Showcases
Folk Music Ontario (2018)
Mundial Montreal (2019)
International Indigenous Music Summit / Folk Alliance International (2020)
Pacific Contact Short 5 Showcase (2021)
To Book or for more info
Contact Sandra Smith • sandra@plaidpeoplemusic.com • 250-643-6221
Videos
Music
Find Kym Online
For the artist’s sake, please purchase and download before you stream. Thanks!
Discography
2019 • Snachailya Collection Vol. 1
2019 • “Sister Rain” (Vinyl Record)
2018 • For the People Live (album)
2017 • Northern Shining Star Woman (album)
2016 • In the Hearts of You and Me (single)
2014 • Mountain of Youth (EP)
Plaid People Music gratefully acknowledges support from…