Toga da wôhnagabi: Music Creation Residency 2026

About the Open Call

“Toga da wôhnagabi ” (Stories for the future) Residency explores the many facets of musical creation, songwriting, and performance through land-based and embodied methodologies. Participants will: Expand their performance skills, active and deep listening, and understanding of music production. Engage in faculty-led workshops, group gatherings, and one-on-one sessions with senior faculty. Create new works and arrangements while refining their musical abilities. Have 24hr access to studios and/or music huts to focus on songwriting and performance preparation. Receive a ½-day recording session to capture their work. Be part of a supportive community of up to 14 peers. Participate in a final music showcase, with up to 10 minutes of stage time or three creative works.

What is Offered

Program fee includes a single bedroom on the Banff Centre campus for the duration of your program, access to specialized studios, opportunities to showcase work-in-progress, group seminars/workshops with faculty, access to Paul D. Fleck Library and Archives, Participant Resources, Sally Borden Fitness and Recreation Centre (swimming pool, climbing gym, fitness equipment), and Box Office Discounts. Scholarships cover 100% of tuition fees and of meals and accommodation costs.

Requirements

Open to Indigenous people from all regions - locally, nationally, and internationally. Ideal for Indigenous musicians, singer-songwriters, composers, and creators across all music genres. Applicants should have one or more completed projects and be working on a new project. Designed for solo artists and duos. Applicants must be 18+ at the time of the program start date. Domestic and international applications are welcome. Note: Banff Centre programs do not meet Canadian Student Visa eligibility; Visitor Visa required for international participants. Accepted participants are responsible for identifying and complying with immigration requirements.

How to Apply

Learn more about the steps to Complete Your Application. Step 1: Complete the Online Form. Step 2: Pay your application fee. Step 3: Upload Your Materials (Resume, Cover Letter, Project Proposal, Resource request form, Portfolio, Financial Assistance). Group applications have specific instructions for lead applicant and additional fees for members upon acceptance. Participants are chosen by an adjudication panel based on quality, originality, artistic merit, skills, potential benefit from the program, and Banff Centre’s ability to support the project.