Live Music in the Plaza with Francis Baptiste

Friday | August 30 | 3pm – 5pm

In 2022 Indigenous songwriter Francis Baptiste released his debut album, Sneqsilx (Family), an album that features songs sung in his native language Nsyilxcən [nah-silk-sen], the endangered language of the Syilx [see-ilks] people. The 10-song album was his effort to preserve and connect with his heritage. The chance to reconnect with his roots helped him through turbulent times.

Following the release, Baptiste performed for Talking Stick Festival, Vancouver Jazz Fest, Music Waste Festival, Rogue Arts Festival, Barnside Harvest Festival, Shipyards Festival, Khatsahlano Festival, and the PNE. Singles from Sneqsilx (Family) were played on CBC Radio, SiriusXM, and college radio stations across the country. The album received press in Exclaim Magazine, the Vancouver Sun, Discorder Magazine, the Times Chronicle, and several music blogs.

Baptiste’s sophomore LP is set to release in Summer of 2024. The new work continues to feature songs in the endangered language of Nsyilxcen. It also continues to explore themes of addiction and Indigenous identity in the face of estrangement and assimilation.