WHITE BEAR FIRST NATIONS, Sask. — Teagan Littlechief has been recognized as one of Saskatchewan's premier musicians.
And when she isn't on stage performing at concerts, music festivals and fundraisers in Saskatchewan and elsewhere, she's helping young people at her home at White Bear First Nations.
Littlechief, whose Spirit name is Askiw Iskwêw (Cree for Earth Woman), is of Cree and Saulteaux descent. She noted White Bear is home to several different Indigenous nations.
Love of music started at young age
Littlechief said she developed an interest in music when she was little. Her mother first noticed that Littlechief had musical talent, so she put Littlechief in voice lessons.
"It wasn't until I started doing public performances at a younger age that it really inspired me to keep moving," she said.
The first public performances came when she was seven years old. Then she started to win competitions. Songwriting is her favourite part of being a musician.
"Being able to put the stories, the experience behind everything. And it's something that I've always had. I just recently started … becoming more brave to show the songwriting side of me," Littlechief said.
While music is an around-the-clock passion for Littlechief, she also has a full-time job as a youth support worker at the White Bear Education Complex (WBEC). She spends a lot of time on the road, but often when she goes out to sing an anthem or perform at a show, she'll be back for work the next day.
The WBEC is understanding of her musical commitments, and she noted she'll work after hours, including on weekends, to help students.
"I appreciate that they allow me to continue to follow my dream," said Littlechief.
Littlechief spent many years as the anthem singer for the Saskatchewan Roughriders. When the Riders hosted the Grey Cup in 2022, she gained national recognition when she sang O Canada in English, French and Cree.
"It was so cool, but it was also very, very scary, because trying to sing three different languages in under a minute is very, very difficult. But I would say the overall experience was phenomenal," she said. "If I ever got a do-over, I would definitely take it, but it was just an honour to even be considered to perform that anthem in three different languages."
New music coming
Littlechief just finished recording an EP. The first single, Rez Girl Proud, is scheduled to come out Oct. 2.
The EP is slated to be released Jan. 16, 2027, in Regina. A name for the EP has yet to be decided. Other details will also be released at a later date.
Littlechief doesn't hide the fact that she still lives on a reserve. People often ask her why, but she said she loves it at White Bear.
Another song she wrote, Rezzified, explains the comparison between living at home and moving to the bright lights.
Parents survived residential school system
Littlechief views herself as a role model for young Indigenous youth. She said she is trying to learn as much as possible about the music world, both locally and in the industry.
"I want to give as much advice to any upcoming … Indigenous artist, because as Indigenous people, there are so many struggles along the way, and I want to be able to help as much as I can," said Littlechief.
She is the daughter of two residential school survivors, and it's a huge thing for her to be a part of people's lives in the future. She's among the first not to attend a residential school.
Littlechief said she is proud to carry on the want and need to explore her culture and identity, to be able to explore the language between her mother and father and carry it on in herself and her 14-year-old son.
Her Indigenous roots are showing up more often in her music as well. She sings mostly in English, but she includes her Spirit name as much as possible. And she's been known to weave her language into her music.
Littlechief has won the Saskatchewan Country Music Association (SCMA) Indigenous Artist of the Year Award on multiple occasions. In 2024, she became the first Indigenous musician to be named Female Artist of the Year at the SCMAs and was named the Contemporary Indigenous Artist of the Year by SaskMusic in 2025.
She is also a finalist for the Fans Choice Entertainer of the Year Award for the SCMAs. People can vote here until Oct. 2.
