Road to the ECMAs – First Stop: Eskasoni First Nation

Press Release

May 7, 2026

Presented by East Coast Music Association in partnership with Eskasoni First Nation

Eskasoni, NS – The East Coast Music Association is proud to partner with Eskasoni First Nation to present Road to the ECMAs – First Stop Eskasoni, on Monday, May 18th, as one of the kickoff events leading into the 2026 East Coast Music Awards taking place in Sydney, May 20–24.

The event will include an evening of music, community, and celebration at the Sarah Denny Cultural Centre in Eskasoni, from 4:00–8:00 PM. This is a FREE event and open to everyone. Eskasoni First Nation is the largest Mi’kmaq community in the world, and a stronghold of Mi’kmaq culture.

Hosted by Dion Denny, the show features an incredibly diverse line-up of veteran and emerging artists, showcasing the vitality and energy of our Indigenous musicians from Unama’ki.

Event Schedule

4:00–4:15 PM — Opening Prayer & Opening Remarks Chief Leroy Denny, Eskasoni and Bob Hallett, ECMA Executive Director

4:20–4:40 PM — Michael R. Denny

4:45–5:10 PM — Shawnee Paul with Owen Marshall

5:15–5:40 PM — The Marshall Brothers, ECMA Showcase Artists

5:50–6:10 PM — Wam-Pum featuring Sidney Francis

6:20–6:40 PM — ECMA Award Winning, Second Generation

6:45–7:05 PM — ECMA nominee, Gearl

7:15–8:00 PM — The Relatives

“I cannot think of a better way to kick off the premier week for East Coast music,” said ECMA Executive Director Bob Hallett. “Eskasoni First Nation has a strong commitment to community culture and language revitalization, and this concert speaks to the deep and enduring creative wellspring that is the hallmark of the East Coast music scene.”

“Eskasoni is thrilled to be working on this special event with ECMA, along with supporting the Indigenous Stage at this year’s event in Sydney. This is just the beginning, we are hoping to continue conversations with ECMA to ensure that Mi’kmaq/Wolastoqiyik language and culture and Mi’kmaq/Wolastoqiyik artists are elevated in the East Coast music scene,” commented Chief Leroy Denny.

As the largest Mi’kmaq community in Atlantic Canada, Eskasoni is a leader in cultural preservation, environmental stewardship, and community well-being. It hosts cultural events, provides extensive social services, and, while it is a strong advocate for Indigenous rights and self-determination, the community is also eager to share its culture with the rest of Atlantic Canada and the world.

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