The National Music Centre is debuting a revitalized version of its Speak Up! exhibition on June 18 at Studio Bell, shining a spotlight on a new wave of Indigenous artists and cultural leaders. This annual refresh introduces visitors to figures like Beatrice Deer, an "Inuindie" pop artist from Nunavik known for blending indie rock with traditional throat singing, and the Dakhká Khwáan Dancers, a Tlingit group from Yukon dedicated to preserving Indigenous language and culture through performance. The exhibition also honours the legacies of artists such as Ray St. Germain, Harry Rusk, and Kelly Fraser—trailblazers who helped carve out space for Indigenous voices in Canadian music.

Timed to coincide with National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21, the Centre will offer free admission and host a live event curated by Speak Up! lead David McLeod. Performances will include a set by Deer, singing in Inuktitut, English, and French, as well as appearances by Blackfoot traditional singer Norvin Eagle Speaker, grass dancer Takota Eagle Speaker, and fancy dancer Miracle Eagle Speaker.

Visitors can explore new artifacts like a modernized arnauti and St. Germain's personalized six-string Ovation guitar, alongside immersive media and past features from artists like Jeremy Dutcher and Fawn Wood.

Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre, will be open from 10am to 5pm on June 21, National Indigenous Peoples Day, and admission will be free for everyone.