Step into the world of Raven Reid, a voice of resilience and a beacon of hope. Her music, rooted in the Indigenous folk tradition, tells a story of struggle and strength, reflecting her journey from the northern lights of Yellowknife to the heart of Saskatchewan. With her guitar in hand, she transforms her life’s challenges into melodies that resonate with the spirit of her ancestors.
Raven’s upcoming EP ‘Changes’ marks a new beginning, recorded with Merilainen Music Inc. and set to release in spring 2024. It’s a call to embrace life’s lessons and find one’s purpose, a message she shares with all: “Adversity teaches us; it guides us to our purpose. Join me in this journey of self-discovery. Many Blessings!” – Raven Reid
Music
New music coming soon!
Speaking
Raven Reid Chronicles
I speak on the sixties scoop, mental health awareness, suicide prevention, domestic violence, self esteem and self confidence building, addictions and healing.
Sixties Scoop
A government program called AIM, adopt and Indian Métis child started in
the 60’s, ended in 1990’s.
My entire family was torn apart by this government program.
I was adopted into a non-indigenous family and raised to forget my Cree heritage.
I was raised in a home where I faced severe childhood trauma and abuse.
I worked to overcome addictions and mental health issues through the arts.
Mental Health Awareness
I deal with social anxiety, dyslexia, ADHD and CPTSD.
I speak about how I overcame suicidal tendencies and depression through
prayer, counseling and the arts.
This includes original music, poetry, storytelling, photo slideshows.
Suicide Prevention
I speak about childhood trauma and how I lived through suicidal tendencies from the age of 11-26. It took a divine intervention to start me on my healing journey. I also speak about how the arts saved me through this time.
Domestic Violence
I speak about escaping domestic violence by running to a women’s shelter with my kids, how we got there and how we built our lives from a garbage bag full of clothes and one guitar. The work it took to get away from my ex husband who was hooked on meth at the time and stalked us for years.
How that took a toll on my mental health and how I left and raised my kids on my own. I speak about how the arts saved me from poverty.
Self Esteem and Confidence Building Workshop
I teach about what self esteem is, good and bad. What self confidence is, high and low. We have interactive conversations and storytelling, confidence boosting mentorship.
Addictions and Healing
Personal stories about my struggles with addictions and how the , the arts and healthy supports helped me heal.
Biography
Raven Reid, an Indigenous folk singer-songwriter, hails from Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, with ancestral connections to the Mikisew First Nation in Alberta. Her artistic journey began at the tender age of 6 when she penned her first short stories. As the years unfolded, she taught herself to play the guitar, seamlessly weaving her poems and narratives into soul-stirring melodies. Today, she stands as a self-taught musician and a captivating performer.
Raven’s music is a poignant reflection of her life’s raw emotions. Born during a time of oppression and racism against Indigenous communities, she experienced displacement as a child due to Canadian Government policies. Growing up away from her biological family and community as part of the 60’s Scoop, Raven’s songs resonate with love, hate, depression, and happiness. She also courageously sings about the generational trauma faced by many Indigenous families—a legacy shaped by assimilation policies.
From her upbringing in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, alongside her adoptive family, Raven now calls Saskatoon home. As a full-time artist, she graces music festivals across her province, including Ness Creek, Dog Patch Music Festival, Doylefest, and Waskesiu Lakeside Music Festival, sharing her stories through song. Beyond the stage, Raven is an accomplished public speaker, invited to schools, women’s summits, and gatherings of Sixties Scoop survivors.
Recently signed by the record label Merilainen Music Inc., Raven embarked on a musical journey to Toronto. There, alongside producer and fellow musician Marc Merilainen, she recorded her upcoming EP titled “Changes”, featuring eight original songs. Anticipate its release in spring 2024.
In her own words, Raven believes adversity shapes us, imparting valuable lessons. She encourages everyone to seek their purpose, knowing that everything unfolds for a reason. Many blessings! 🌟🎶
Gallery
A website by Funky Moose Digital.