Manitoba Music Named Organization of the Year at the 2026 Women In Music Canada Honours

Press Release

Manitoba Music was named Organization of the Year at the 4th Annual Women in Music Canada Honours, which took place March 5 at Toronto’s Queen Elizabeth Theatre.

The WIM Canada Honours program is designed to celebrate and support Canadian innovators and creators who have had outstanding success in their field in the eligibility year. Hosted by CBC’s Saroja Coelho, Honours were presented in nine categories.

Manitoba Music was nominated alongside four other organizations doing important work in the music industry: BCWM (Black Canadian Women In Music), Musique Nomade, Nettwerk Music Group, and Wednesday Management. This honour is awarded to a company that has made significant progress in workplace equity. The award is intended to recognize a company owned or led primarily by women and/or gender-diverse individuals, but it can also recognize allies within the organization.

Manitoba Music programming highlighted by the WIMC Honours included the launch of the Safer Studios respectful workplace training initiative in partnership with WIMC, Manitoba Film & Music and HR consultant  Natalie Bell; the Indigenous Music Development Program’s Nagamooag neezochachak celebration of Indigiqueer and Two-Spirit musicians, Kah-beh nahgamowaat video series, Good Sounds residency for Indigenous artists, and the IMDP-presented Decolonizing Your Music Business discussion at BreakOut West, led by Alan Greyeyes (Indigenous Music Office / sākihiwē festival); BPM (Black Professionals in Music) concerts and professional development; Market Access Fund caregiver stipend pilot launch in partnership with Balancing Act Canada and WIMC; live event micro mentorships prioritizing equity deserving participants; participation in the BreakOut West Host Committee for the 2025 event in Winnipeg; and the Kevin Walters Legacy Awards and Vince Fontaine Legacy Award.

“We’re honoured to be the recipient of Organization of the Year at the Women in Music Canada Honours, especially among such incredible company,” said Vanessa Kuzina, executive director of Manitoba Music, who accepted the honour in person. “This recognition reflects the dedication of our team, Board of Directors, Indigenous Music Steering Committee, BPM Committee, and the inspiring artists, industry builders, communities, and partners we’re fortunate to work alongside—particularly the women and gender-diverse voices driving change in our community. Thank you to Women in Music Canada for this honour and for championing a more equitable and vibrant music industry.”

In addition to Kuzina, Manitoba Music’s team includes Alex Sannie (Manager, Industry Development), Andrea Davis (Manager, Export Programs), Cassidy Mann (Indigenous Music Development Coordinator), Nia Banilbo (Coordinator, Membership & Events), Rose Tobacco-Olson (Administrative Coordinator), and Rachel Stone (Director, Operations & Communications), and contract workers Aidan Clarke (Stage Coordinator), Hera Nalam (MB Live Assistant), and Tomiwa Omolayo (BPM Coordinator).

Ava Kobrinsky of Home Routes / Chemin Chez Nous received a special Career Achievement Honours for her many contributions to the music landscape during her long career.

Begonia earned a nomination for Artist of the Year and Rayannah earned a nomination in the new category of Excellence in Sound Production.

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