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With a voice and message that resonates deeply, Kym Gouchie is ready to captivate Courtenay. “Be prepared to be moved,” she says, a promise that reflects the emotional depth of her music.
The vibrant singer/songwriter known for her distinctive fusion of Indigenous folk/roots takes the stage in Courtenay on Thursday, September 26, launching the new season of the Blue Circle Series presented by the Sid Williams Theatre Society.
Gouchie’s upcoming performance blends traditional languages and storytelling with modern sounds. A profound reflection of her heritage, she invites the audience to embark on a cultural exploration through her heartfelt artistry.
“My shows truly are an invitation to people who wish to experience a cultural awakening. It’s hopeful, you know, the music that I’m presenting is a fusion of everything I am as an Indigenous woman who has come from a difficult past.”
Gouchie’s shows are celebrated for their raw authenticity, each performance shaped by the audience’s energy. “None of my shows are ever the same,” she says. “I have a set list, but I respond to the audience’s energy, creating a reciprocal exchange of emotion” – one filled with tears, laughter and joy as she delivers her message of healing and unity.
Her passion for music runs deep, rooted in her Prince George upbringing. “I grew up in a musical family... it’s in my blood,” she says. Despite this, her journey to performing wasn’t straightforward. As a teenager and young mom, self-doubt and survival mode forced her to set aside her dreams. It wasn’t until further into adulthood that music became her anchor. “It became my safest place, and I never let go.”
Gouchie’s upcoming performance will feature songs from her new album, Shun Beh Nats’ujeh (We Are Healing Through Songs) – one that holds great personal significance. The album is a tribute to her ancestors and a celebration of traditional languages, specifically Dakelh (Lheidli dialect), Woodland Cree and Secwepemctsín.
“We [Gouchie and mentor Rae Spoon] wrote a grant to Canada Council to record, research and write an album of children’s music in my ancestral languages,” she explains. What started as a 10-song project for kids quickly expanded to 16 tracks of music for everyone, capturing the essence of both Gouchie’s heritage and the innocence of childhood.
“This album is really for the healing of that part of us. It’s a tribute to all the struggles my ancestors had growing up through a time when it wasn’t okay to be an Indigenous person.”
However, creating the deeply personal album came with its challenges. The project, which began before the pandemic, faced significant delays due to lockdowns and restrictions. Gouchie had intended to work closely with language keepers in her ancestral territories to ensure the album's authenticity, but COVID made that impossible. The loss of her uncle, a key language mentor, added another layer of difficulty. Rae Spoon, her intended producer/project manager, also encountered health issues, further postponing the venture. “There were so many hurdles that were in my way, but I jumped over them, and I just kept jumping over them.”
With the support of her friend and new project manager/producer, Dan Barton, she pressed on, resulting in a collection of songs that Gouchie cherishes.
“I am absolutely in love with this album. There's nothing I do not like about it. It is exactly what I wanted it to be.”
But for Gouchie, music is more than just a creative outlet. She views her performances as opportunities for meaningful engagement with Indigenous culture.
“I feel my concerts help to open up and create a bridge of connection where people feel like they have done something,” she explains. “Even the act of coming to and supporting Indigenous artists is an act of reconciliation.” Gouchie encourages her audience to carry forward the insights they gain from her shows and to build genuine relationships with Indigenous communities.
This focus has evolved alongside a broader shift in how her music is received. Early in her career, Gouchie was cautious about addressing controversial topics, concerned about potential backlash and lost opportunities. “I was afraid I wouldn't get any gigs,” she admits. However, as awareness of Indigenous issues has grown, so has the acceptance of her message. “Now, I'm not as worried about any of that because there's so much education and awareness in this country.”
Though her music often tackles difficult subjects, such as the legacy of residential schools, Gouchie’s approach is always one of hope and resilience. Her goal is to get people in touch with their emotions and motivate them to make a difference.
“People care because they want to be a part of the change,” she says. “I often encourage people in my storytelling to reach out and connect with the people of the ancestral lands that you live on, attend powwows, attend events and start building those relationships.”
Gouchie’s drive to inspire action has also fueled her latest project—a one-woman play that blends her powerful narratives and musical talents. Through this endeavor, she delves into her ancestry, bringing to life the stories of her grandmothers, mother, and ancestors whose voices were once silenced. “I feel so strongly that we need to know who we are to know where we’re going.”
And as she uncovers long-buried family truths, Kym also embraces her role as an emerging elder in her community. Entering her “60th winter on the planet,” she reflects on how this project is not only a creative endeavor but also a personal evolution—one that rounds her off as a more authentic human being, representing every ancestor who walks with her on stage. “My music is just a reflection of life.”
Gouchie hopes audience will come to the show with open hearts and minds, ready to be moved by her music and message.
To connect, reflect and be inspired, secure your tickets now!