Mi'kmaq Artist Emergence Program

Mi'kmaq Artist Emergence Program The Mi'kmaq Artist Emergence Program started in 2024 and is a week long mentorship, industry education, songwriting, recording, wellness guidance program!

Applications for MAEP Generation 3 are open now
MAEP 2026 - August 22-28 - Dartmouth NS

MAEP Generation 3 is under way this week and we're so grateful for the experiences and relationships we're building! Thi...
08/24/2026

MAEP Generation 3 is under way this week and we're so grateful for the experiences and relationships we're building!

This week wouldn't happen without the support of our funders and supporters who believe in the program! Thank you for supporting MAEP

MAEP FOUNDER! Our brave leader and the person who started this all!  Councilor Carol Ann Potter, had and idea, a dream r...
08/17/2026

MAEP FOUNDER! Our brave leader and the person who started this all!

Councilor Carol Ann Potter, had and idea, a dream really. It was to find a way to bring together music, mental wellness and the Mi'kmaq culture, to give others the opportunity to feel supported and share their emotions, stories and healing through music. That was were the idea for the Mi'kmaq Artist Emergence Program started.

She has been a supporter to all and wears her heart on her sleeve! Thank you for bringing us all together. We can't wait to kick off our third year later this week!

MAEP Generation 3 Staff!      Andree Gracie is the MAEP program producer. She helps to build the program year to year cu...
08/17/2026

MAEP Generation 3 Staff!


Andree Gracie is the MAEP program producer. She helps to build the program year to year curating all of the speakers, learning opportunities. Andree organizes the team, the program, showcase and more than you can image behind the scenes!

Errin Williams is a clinical social worker, and our MAEP wellness coordinator. Errin ensures we all feel supported through out the program, and usually have a laugh along the way. She has over 18 years of experience in mental health and a longstanding connection to Atlantic Canada’s music industry.

Haley Clarke is the MAEP event and marketing coordinator. She helps to share our stories on socials and across the web. During the event Haley makes sure our participants and staff have everything they need while staying on schedule.

Lori Laderoute is the MAEP event and operations coordinator. Lori makes sure all the logistics of the week from venues, meals, transportation and more is taken care of. With her vast background in event production Lori ensures all of our tech and a/v for the week and our showcase is top notch!

Kerry Payson is the Band Administration for Bear River First Nation. Kerry has been working behind the scenes since before the first MAEP took place. She is ensuring all admin and logistical needs are handled!

MAEP Generation 3 Mentors & Musicians!    Cody Coyote is an award winning Hip Hop artist, motivational speaker, workshop...
08/16/2026

MAEP Generation 3 Mentors & Musicians!



Cody Coyote is an award winning Hip Hop artist, motivational speaker, workshop facilitator and proud Ojibwe. We're excited to have Cody back for a 3rd year with MAEP

Andrew Stevens is a Mi`kmaq singer, songwriter, producer and visionary artist hailing from Southern Ontario Canada. Welcome Andrew to your first MAEP!

Matt Meuse is an indigenous multi-instrumentalist originally from L'sitkuk, performing across Canada and Internationally wit artists in various genres. We're excited to have Matt back for a 3rd year with MAEP

Josh Francois is a Halifax-based music producer and DJ specializing in electronic and pop production. As a 2nd year guest producer, Josh brings a practical, artist-focused perspective to music production.

MAEP Producers! Generation 3 MAEP Producers  &  Corey LeRue is a multi platinum, Juno award winning producer, songwriter...
08/16/2026

MAEP Producers!

Generation 3 MAEP Producers &

Corey LeRue is a multi platinum, Juno award winning producer, songwriter, remixer, and engineer. At the age of 34, Corey now carries an impressive discography of both local and International artists, releasing on labels such as sony music, warner music, ultra music, spinnin’ records, maxximize, smash the house, helix records, mau5trap, robbins, just to name a few. He has accumulated over 500+ million streams worldwide.

Corey is excited to be returning to MAEP for a second year!

Josh Kelly is a music producer, recording engineer, songwriter, and musician based in Halifax, Nova Scotia. As the owner of The Basement: Music Production & Recording Studio, he has spent years helping artists across genres - from hip hop and country to folk, rock, and pop - bring their songs to life in an honest and authentic way.

Josh is excited to be part of the Mi'kmaq Artist Emergence Program and looks forward to collaborating with participants as they develop, record, and share their stories through music.

Michael Mellen was raised in Cape Breton, rooted in his Mi’kmaq heritage. Michael is a vocalist and songwriter, who uses...
08/15/2026

Michael Mellen was raised in Cape Breton, rooted in his Mi’kmaq heritage. Michael is a vocalist and songwriter, who uses influences from folk, country, rock, and singer-songwriter traditions. Michael says "Whether performing original songs or interpreting the work of others, my goal is simple: to create honest moments where people feel seen, understood, and less alone." Welcome to MAEP Michael!

Thunder Thomas is an artist from Indian Brook Nova Scotia. For Thunder music is about the message given through the art ...
08/15/2026

Thunder Thomas is an artist from Indian Brook Nova Scotia. For Thunder music is about the message given through the art but also the vibes that the song gives off. Thunder says " I like to explore around with different genres, as I am still learning what I like and building my skills while building knowledge so I can improve." Welcome to MAEP Thunder!

Brandon Butler is an Indigenous artist from Lennox Island First Nation in Prince Edward Island.  Brandons says "My music...
08/14/2026

Brandon Butler is an Indigenous artist from Lennox Island First Nation in Prince Edward Island. Brandons says "My music is rooted in my personal journey of resilience, healing, and self-discovery. Drawing inspiration from rock, metal, and folk music, I write songs that explore themes of recovery, mental health, identity, and hope while honouring my Mi'kmaq heritage." Welcome to MAEP Brandon!

O

Tyra Paul is a Mi'kmaw woman from Pictou Landing First Nation and grew up in a musical family. Tyra says "I want to expl...
08/14/2026

Tyra Paul is a Mi'kmaw woman from Pictou Landing First Nation and grew up in a musical family. Tyra says "I want to explore my talents and challenge myself to step outside of my comfort zone, it's in my blood, so I'm excited to see whats in store for me in this program." Welcome to MAEP Tyra!

Liam Trefry is a playwright, creator,  light, video and audio tech. Liam is looking forward to finding his voice again w...
08/13/2026

Liam Trefry is a playwright, creator, light, video and audio tech. Liam is looking forward to finding his voice again when it comes to writing music and songs! Welcome to MAEP Liam!

Address

Dartmouth, NS

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Mi'kmaq Artist Emergence Program posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share