Women in Music Canada Launches New North Chapter

Women in Music Canada (WIM Canada) has announced the launch of Women in Music Canada North (WIM Canada North), a new pan-territorial chapter that will serve women and gender-diverse musicians and music industry professionals across the Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut. The expansion marks a significant step toward strengthening professional development, networking, and industry support throughout Canada’s North.

The new chapter builds upon the success of the former Women in Music Yukon chapter, broadening its mandate to better connect northern artists and industry professionals while addressing the unique challenges of building sustainable music careers in remote communities.

Beth Dart, Co-Chapter Chair and Executive Director of Music Yukon, states:

“Our music communities are rich with talent and creativity, yet the challenges artists and music entrepreneurs face here are unique to the North. We’re excited to team up with our northern neighbours to collaborate, share resources, and create opportunities for women and gender-diverse artists and music industry professionals to build sustainable careers.”

The official launch was celebrated during Folk on the Rocks in Yellowknife, with an event hosted by Woodhouse Brewery and Eatery. Programming included the professional development workshop “Know Your Frequency,” presented in partnership with Folk on the Rocks and the National Arts Centre.

Professional development remains a central pillar of the new chapter’s mission, continuing initiatives that have already made an impact in northern communities. Recent programs have included recording sessions in Whitehorse for women and gender-diverse artists working alongside JUNO Award-winning producer Denise De’ion, as well as financial literacy workshops delivered with Music NWT during Yellowknife’s Still Dark Festival.

WIM Canada is already partnering with Music NWT on a new training initiative aimed at women and gender-diverse sound technicians. Supported by FACTOR, the program is modelled after a successful Manitoba initiative launched in 2024.

The program will debut in the Northwest Territories before expanding into Yukon and Nunavut, helping improve access to technical skills training while creating more inclusive pathways into live sound and music production careers.

Kayla Cooper, Executive Director of Music NWT and the new Co-Chapter Chair, emphasized the importance of creating stronger connections throughout the region:

“Launching a Women in Music Canada North chapter is an exciting step toward strengthening our northern music community. By creating opportunities for connection, mentorship, and professional development, we can help ensure women and gender-diverse music professionals across the North have the support they need to thrive.”

Women in Music Canada is one of the country’s largest music industry associations and is dedicated to advancing gender equity through professional development, networking opportunities, advocacy, education, and career support for women and gender-diverse professionals across the music industry.