MJ Dandeneau
MJ DANDENEAU is a Métis woman of French and Anishinaabe descent from the Red River Nation. Her mother comes from the Red River Valley (Ile de la Cross Nation) and her father comes from Penetanguishene, Treaty 61. She is an accomplished bassist, director and producer. Through her business, MJ Entertainment Canada Inc, she has worked and toured with various artists worldwide for the past 16 years. Nationally recognized with recording awards such as JUNO, WCMA, CFM she has recently been awarded the Indigenous Full Circle Award, one of the Manitoba Arts Council prestige prizes in the Arts.
MJ’s extensive music career includes booking agent for Europe and Australia, artistic & musical director for various bands and artist, sound designer and composer for various theatre productions and films. She has assisted artists in music career development and serves as a connecting point into the international touring arena. MJ, continues to compose for theater companies such as Royal MTC, MTYP, Prairie Theatre Exchange, Theatre for young people, Sarasvati Theatre and Cercle Molière. MJ’s key focus and passion are supporting and empowering indigenous artists in successfully navigating the national and international market.
Her involvement in the music industry stretches into numerous aspects of the business. Her extensive knowledge has been sought out and she has been requested to sit on various juries and consultation committees for the Canada Art Council, FACTOR, Manitoba Art Council, Winnipeg Art Council, OCFF, WCMA & JUNO Awards. As well as being an industry board member for Aboriginal Music Manitoba, Manitoba Indigenous advisory board, Manitoba Chamber Orchestra Committee, American Federation of Musicians and Conseil Elzéar-Goulet.
MJ’s mission is not only to be a teacher in these fields but most importantly a mentor, instilling values of patience, respect, integrity and kindness. These values have been passed on from her elders and bring back so young people can ultimately adapt these teachings in their everyday lives.