Aboriginal Music Week kicks off in Winnipeg

A series of outdoor concerts are showcasing some of Canada's best and brightest aboriginal musicians this week in downtown Winnipeg.

Aboriginal Music Week kicked off on Tuesday. Five lunch-hour concerts will be held until Sunday, Aug. 22 at Air Canada Park next to Portage Place Mall.

The festival offers an eclectic mix of free and admission-based concerts aimed to give indigenous musicians from Canada, and around the world, a platform to share their music with a wider audience.

• Aboriginal Music Week aims to expand fan base by growing youth audience

"One of the things that we really try to do [is] connect … a lot of the musicians with other artists internationally," said Brett Huson, a member of the festival's board of directors.

There is a range of workshops planned that will see artists from Australia, New Zealand and Canada sharing the same stage. The weeklong event is meant to inspire young aboriginal musicians to work hard and follow their dreams, Huson said.

"Gives a lot of the youth a chance to see some of the experienced artists, see what it takes to be in the music industry and, you know, give them the opportunity to learn from their peers and maybe give themselves a chance," said Huson.

The biggest festival events take place Friday and Saturday at The Good Will on Portage Avenue.