Meet Leela Gilday | Dene Singer/Songwriter

We had the good fortune of connecting with Leela Gilday and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Leela, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I am from the Dene Nation- we are the Indigenous people of northern Canada. I was raised in a small village near a very big lake in a land made out of pre-cambrian shield and a million lakes. Our people are still very connected to the land, hunting and fishing for our traditional sources of food is still a big part of our people’s life. Being raised in such a vast and powerful territory, with a healthy respect for the land and an awareness of how deeply connected we are to the land and water has greatly impacted my career and who I am as an artist and a person. The themes of connection with the land and water run deep in my music and songwriting. The sounds of the Dene drum dance songs and tea dance songs are reflected in my music, and the overall importance of recognizing our place in the universe as part of something larger- these are all a result of my background and upbringing.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a singer/songwriter from the Dene Nation. We are the native people of the north. I spent my first five years in Edzo, a Tli Cho town of about 200 people perched on the edge of a mighty lake. The sounds of both contemporary and traditional music filled my young ears. We moved to the capital city (Yellowknife) when I was 6 and I grew into a music career slowly, starting with my first solo performance at our local music festival- Folk on the Rocks- when I was 8. I went to music school in the south when I was 17, and wasn’t prepared for how amazing everyone was. I had to take a step back in order to realize that my voice (both figurative and literal) is as unique and important as anyone else’s. To realize the inherent value of your own being is a powerful thing, and I credit both my parents support as well as this realization for the path that came later. I was studying opera, but I wasn’t hearing my own creative voice in the music that I was singing. So I began songwriting, in order to tell authentic stories from my own perspective as a Dene woman, a northerner, and an activist and advocate for Indigenous rights and the sacred power of the land and water. I moved to Toronto after I graduated and began performing my own songs, releasing my first of 5 records (so far) in 2002. It has always been a struggle to be an Indigenous woman moving through an industry and a world filled with systemic racism, misogyny and ears that want to close to my voice, but I have always relied upon my people to hold me up, and that first big realization that my voice really does matter. Our stories matter. Bringing my diverse perspective to the world through my music enriches not only my own people, but the whole world. And it shows in the connections I make with my audiences around the world, no matter who is listening- people can hear music sung from the heart. I am currently working on my 6th record all in my own Dene language, which is a first for me as I recently started my language reclamation journey. I look forward to whatever is next on this incredible life journey.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I live in one of the most beautiful places in the world- Yellowknife, Northwest Territories- or as well call it: Denendeh – “land of the people”.

The itinerary visiting Yellowknife depends on what season you visit in. But Yellowknife is known as one of the best places on earth to view the Aurora Borealis- the northern lights. So come in March or in late August/early September for the best views.
Winter- March- come during the Snowking’s Winter Festival for a castle made of snow, and art, music, dance, theatre, ice sculpture, and general fun every day of the month. http://snowking.ca/. (be sure to meet the Snow King himself!)
You can also book aurora tours, or just go out onto the middle of the lake- but the lights usually come out fairly late at night, so squeeze in a nap during the daytime!
If you’re into dogs, then a dogsled tour is really the best time! There are several kennels that do tours but here is one: http://www.beckskennels.com/
The biggest and best part of Yellowknife is really Great Slave Lake, so whatever season you come, be sure to get out on the lake- on a skidoo, or in a vehicle (there is an ice road that runs to Dettah, a Wıı̀lıı̀deh community just across the lake from Yellowknife) or during the summer- a boat!! Some of the best fishing is out on this lake.
In terms of eating/restaurants there is the world’s best fish & chips- with fresh local fish- at Bullock’s Bistro. And the Woodyard serves up good food with locally brewed beer.
We have several incredible artists in town, so be sure to check out the local galleries to purchase northern art- Down to Earth Gallery, Aurora Emporium Art Gallery, and Gallery of the Midnight Sun.
If you like music we have 2 local festivals- Folk on the Rocks is our big blowout the 3rd weekend in July, and Old Town Ramble & Ride is end of July/beginning of August. Both are unique and awesome experiences. During the fall/winter/spring months the Northern Arts and Cultural Centre always puts on incredible shows in our 300 seat theatre. I started my career on that stage, and have played there many times. I have also witnessed some amazing, world-class talent there. Most of all, remember to enjoy the outdoors- the land is the most powerful and incredible character here in the north, but in the summer bring your budspray and the winter don’t forget your mitts, hat and scarf!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to recognize my parents Cindy and Bill Gilday and my husband Darrel Mack. From the very beginning, my parents believed in me and my ability to do anything that I wanted to do- despite any obstacles that life threw my way. As a Dene woman from the northern part of Canada there were always lots of challenges standing in the way of me becoming a successful singer/songwriter and a fully realized human. But my parents never showed me anything but support and love, even in the tough times. And my husband- well he is my rock. He’s not a musician but he loved my music from the first note, and he truly deeply believes that my voice and my songs-what I have is a gift that I am responsible to give back to the world. His motto is “never give up, never surrender” which is an inspiring and miraculous saying when you see it in action (in real life). I discuss all of my life and business decisions with him because helps raise me to my best self.

Website: https://www.leelagilday.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leelagildaymusic/?hl=en

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leela-gilday-93b0a111/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/leelagilday?lang=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leelagildaymusic

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/leelagildaymusic

Other: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0nSstpr48Xb3fVs5AZHOLN

Image Credits
Pat Kane