Tia Wood

Youth – First Nation (2026)

Saddle Lake Cree Nation, AB

“Success for me is walking into spaces and being unapologetically myself and unapologetically proud of where I come from. It’s claiming space not only for my parents but for our youth and all Indigenous people because, at one point, we weren’t allowed to practice our ways. It’s staying true to myself and showing people that our stories matter.”

Music has been a transformative force for Tia Wood since her earliest memories. She is the daughter of Earl Wood, one of the founders of the Grammy-nominated group Northern Cree, and Cynthia Jim, a member of the first all-women drum group, Fraser Valley. Her sister Fawn Wood is a JUNO Award-winning artist.

However, Tia’s success is entirely her own creation. With a distinctive voice that uniquely blends traditional Indigenous music with contemporary R&B, she became the first female Indigenous musician to sign a contract with Sony Music Canada. In 2024, Tia released Pretty Red Bird, her first EP. It immediately got significant airtime and gained her a 2025 JUNO nomination for “Contemporary Indigenous Artist of the Year.” Tia was also selected by Amazon Music Canada as one of their “Artists to Watch” in 2025, performing at the JUNO Awards alongside JUNO-winning rap group Snotty Nose Rez Kids.

Receiving acclaim from media like Vogue, Billboard Canada, and ELLE Canada, Tia has a substantial following on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, using her position to share positive messages with Indigenous youth. She addresses crucial issues including the MMIWG2S+ crisis, the residential school legacy, and cultural revitalization, using her talents to foster healing across Turtle Island.