FOUNDER & DIRECTOR

Colin is the Founder of the Winnipeg Indie Music Foundation and a fanatic of the local Winnipeg music scene. Colin is a corporate and commercial lawyer at MLT Aikins, Winnipeg’s only national law firm, by day and an avid consumer of live music by night. He has been a staunch supporter of the Winnipeg community throughout his life serving on non-profit boards such as the Canadian Mental Health Association, the Exchange District BIZ and the Rady Sports Dinner committee, and volunteering and/or donating to local music festivals such as Winnipeg Folk Festival and Interstellar Rodeo. Colin also has significant fundraising experience having been the top fundraiser in Manitoba for the MS Walk for 11 consecutive years from 2009-2020 raising over $300,000 in total, as well as assisting start-up companies raise capital totalling over 50 million dollars. In his spare time, Colin is a home drummer and rarely experiences a moment without music playing. Contact Colin with your questions on WIM’s grant program, concert series or potential partnerships.

DIRECTOR

Andrea Davis is a community-oriented music industry professional with ten years of experience spanning both not-for-profit and business sectors. She is currently the Manager of Export Programs at Manitoba Music, where she represents Manitoba-based artists and companies at international conferences and festivals; oversees a grant program; coordinates market development events; and advises on export strategies. Previously, Andrea was a Project Manager and Artist Manager at Birthday Cake Records and Mighty Cypress Talent, where she developed expertise in grant writing, project management, and music marketing. Andrea is a longtime volunteer at the Winnipeg Folk Festival, where she previously worked as the Programs & Performers Services Assistant and Production and Sustainability Assistant. Andrea has been a committee member of Music Managers Forum Canada and was a founding board member of Rainbow Trout Music Festival. Her wide range of experience in the music industry brings a wealth of knowledge to the Winnipeg Indie Music Foundation board.

DIRECTOR

Christian is a small business owner, commercial insurance broker, and lawyer. Christian has a deep passion for music and has experience planning music events across a variety of genres, with the largest event having over 6,000 fans in attendance. During his time as the Vice-President External with the University of Manitoba Students’ Union, he gained valuable experience with corporate governance, managing an annual multi-million dollar budget, and public relations, which included working with elected representatives from all 3 levels of government. Christian developed an expertise with risk management through event planning, practicing civil litigation at a large Winnipeg law firm, and now assisting clients with commercial insurance for their businesses. Christian supported numerous local foundations, either acting as a board member or in a volunteer position, including United Way Winnipeg, Special Olympics, and the Granite Curling Club. Christian focuses on WIM’s fundraising and partnerships in support of our amazing local artists in achieving their full potential. You’ll likely see him around at local shows, unfortunately probably blocking your view.

DIRECTOR

Eric Kananoja has enjoyed music since he bought his first album (Kiss Alive!).  Shortly after, he discovered concerts (Max Webster opening for Rush), and live music has been an important part of his life since then.  No matter the genre and no matter the venue, Eric is a proponent of live music and understands the crucial role music can play in our lives.  He has attended the Winnipeg Folk Festival since the 1990’s, and has been a proud member  of its Board of Directors since 2017.  He has held various leadership roles including Board Chair, Executive Committee Chair, ED Hiring Committee Chair and is currently Past Chair.  Professionally, Eric joined LS Properties as the Director of Investment Origination in 2023.  This followed a 37 year career at TD Bank, of which 25 years was spent in Commercial Banking. For the last 15 years at TD Commercial Banking, Eric was Senior Relationship Manager, responsible for a team which managed and grew a significant loan and deposit portfolio of larger, well-known Winnipeg and area companies.  At LS Properties, Eric has a lead role in expanding LS’s investor base as their portfolio of income-producing properties continues to grow.

DIRECTOR

Jen Doerksen is a non-binary music professional based on Treaty 1 Territory. With over eight years of experience as a communications professional working in marketing, public relations, and videography, Jen has developed a skill set particularly useful to developing small businesses. Currently, they work as day-to-day management and marketing for The Sheepdogs management team, while offering label services under Signal Noise Music. Previously, Jen worked as day-to-day management with Boy Golden, and prior that, with the Misfit Music Management team. Before diving into artist management, Jen was a marketing manager at independent record label Birthday Cake Media. They also co-own boutique videography company BNB Studios, and help artist friends with grant writing, project planning, business strategy, and marketing strategy development.