Rebecca Strong to Headline Transform Festival in Vancouver

Rebecca Strong, the first Indigenous winner of Canada’s Got Talent, will be a featured performer at the upcoming Transform Festival in Vancouver. The festival, running from November 6-8 and 14-15, 2024, promises a diverse lineup of cultural performances, storytelling, and artistic expression rooted in both Indigenous and global perspectives.

Taking place at the Vancouver Playhouse, this year’s festival is curated by artist Corey Payette. The event will kick off with opening and closing parties, hosted by Jaylene Tyme, a notable figure from Season 5 of Canada’s Drag Race. Audiences can expect a captivating range of performances, including Strong’s vocal act and the premiere of a new Indigenous one-act thriller by playwright Cheyenne Scott.

At just 21 years old, Strong hails from the Denesuline First Nation in Stony Rapids and made her mark in 2024 by winning the talent competition with a million-dollar prize. In a recent conversation, she shared insights about her journey, including her approach to song selection and her experiences performing for Indigenous communities.

Strong mentioned that, while she is currently focused on covering songs, she aims to evoke deep emotions through her performances. “I try to make people feel something,” she explained. Her musical journey began in a family band called The Strong Sisters, where her father frequently supported her on stage.

Reflecting on her experience with Canada’s Got Talent, Strong recounted how she initially auditioned for the show without success. However, a casting producer who discovered her talents on TikTok encouraged her to try again. After a successful application, she found herself performing on stage just three weeks later.

The young artist has also toured various northern communities, which she found immensely rewarding. “It’s really nice just to see other Indigenous kids look up to me. I’m so grateful that I am able to be a role model for them,” she stated.

A significant aspect of her victory was the financial support that came with winning. When asked about her plans for the million dollars, Strong humorously noted that fans often ask her if she has purchased a pink truck, a comment she made during a series of interviews. “With the million dollars, I’m gonna get a pink truck,” she said, which resonated with audiences and became a memorable detail of her story.

Despite the substantial financial change, Strong emphasized that her lifestyle remains grounded. “I still live the same life. I didn’t change. I mean, I changed for good, but it’s not like glamour,” she remarked. She has moved into her own place and acquired her first vehicle, but she maintains a modest and relatable outlook.

As the Transform Festival approaches, audiences can look forward to witnessing Rebecca Strong’s powerful performances, alongside a rich array of cultural expressions that highlight the festival’s commitment to celebrating Indigenous voices and stories. Tickets for the event are available starting at $19 and can be purchased through the festival’s website.