Join MOA for Artists Unscripted—a series of informal conversations with artists of diverse backgrounds, practices and outlooks. Featuring Christie Lee Charles’ groundbreaking hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ rap, MzShellz’s empowering hip hop for women, and DJ Kookum’s fresh beats and videos for youth and women alike, we welcome you to a perspective that balances family, culture and music. This event will be hosted by MOA’s Public Programs Intern, Rea Saxena. Join us as we delve deeper into the experience of being at the forefront of the Indigenous hip hop and rap scene.

This online series focuses on listening and learning from established and emerging artists. They will be sharing some of their current projects and the ideas that make them want to create. Each event will include a live discussion and a Q+A.

Michelle Lee Runns AKA MzShellz is an emerging Cree hip hop artist and owner of Native by Nature Apparel hailing from Regina, Saskatchewan. Since relocating to British Columbia, the mother of four has been rocking stages from Vancouver to Albuquerque. MzShellz has taken her new platform through her music to send messages of strength to the youth and seeks to empower women and girls around the world. Her next album, Boss Lady, is currently in progress.

Cheyanna Kootenhayoo AKA Kookum is a DJ and multimedia maker from the Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation, and Cold Lake First Nations, their maternal Denesuline traditional territory. Based out of Vancouver, Kookum has been making a name for their self across the country and is no stranger in the community. Kookum is an open format DJ inspired by EDM and hip hop music. Before the pandemic Kookum was touring nationally and internationally with the Snotty Nose Rez Kids, holding down a weekly DJ residency, facilitating videography and DJ workshops, operating sound and lighting for community dance parties, and working as a DJ mentor at a weekly East Van youth drop in program called The Hip Hop Drop.

Christie Lee grew up in a world of music and her focus has been on hip hop. As an emcee she incorporates her traditional knowledge and ancient hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ dialect. She is a full-time mother and a hip hop lover. Christie has performed as part of the BC Pavilion in Beijing China, WE Day, Fuse, Verses/Hullabaloo, Drum is Calling, TEDX distortion in Vancouver, the Junos with Arcade Fire, Whistler Snowboard Festival with Tribe Called Red, Bass Coast Music Festival, Nelson International Mural Festival, and Vancouver Folk Festival. She was the curator for Musqueam youth Claiming Spaces, Artistic advisor c̓əsnaʔəm: the city before the city, and Words Rising Birds Rising featured at the Roundhouse & Maplewood Nature House.