Laura Niquay Explained

Laura Niquay (born 1982) is an Atikamekw singer-songwriter from Canada,^[1] whose album Waska Matisiwin was a longlisted nominee for the 2021 Polaris Music Prize.^[2]

Originally from Wemotaci, Quebec,^[1] Niquay participated in the recording of her uncle Arthur Petiquay's 2005 album Awacic.^[3] She released her own debut album, Waratanak, in 2015,^[4] and followed up with Waska Matisiwin in 2021.^[5] Waska Matisiwin won the Félix Award for Indigenous Language Album of the Year, and Niquay won the award for Indigenous Artist of the Year, at the 44th Félix Awards in 2022.^[6]

Notes and References

1. Anne-Marie Yvon, "Laura Niquay, la messagère atikamekw". Ici Radio-Canada Espaces Autochtones, April 29, 2021.
2. Melody Lau, "Kathleen Edwards, Mustafa, Tobi and more make the 2021 Polaris Music Prize long list". CBC Music, June 15, 2021.
3. Valérie Thérien, "Laura Niquay". Voir, February 25, 2019.
4. Jean-Philippe Morin, "L’artiste Atikamekw Laura Niquay en spectacle le 28 avril à la Maison des gouverneurs", Journal Les 2 Rives, April 16, 2019.
5. Kaitlin Irving, "Laura Niquay Shares New Album 'Waska Matisiwin'". Exclaim!, April 30, 2021.
6. Léa Larouche, "Gala de l’ADISQ: Laura Niquay remporte le Félix de l'album autochtone de l'année". Le Nouvelliste, November 6, 2022.