Bobbi-Jo Starr’s Album Fundraiser to Celebrate Healing Through Music

Singer and advocate Bobbi-Jo Starr (Kisikaw Iskwew – Daylight Woman), from the Peerless Trout First Nation, is set to host her album fundraiser on November 23, 2025. This event, taking place at High Note Bar & Grill in Edmonton, represents a significant milestone in her journey as a musician and advocate for water rights and healing.

For Starr, music transcends entertainment; it serves as a ceremonial practice and a means of connection to her community and the environment. “Music is energy and how I connect with the universe,” she stated. “It’s how I manifest the vision and changes I see for myself and my community.” Each performance is deeply rooted in Indigenous teachings, reflecting her commitment to social and environmental issues.

Starr is three years into her recovery journey, during which water has emerged as a pivotal element in her personal transformation and advocacy efforts. “Since entering recovery, I’ve learned so much about water and how water can help us,” she explained. “Water is living spirit. When we lack knowledge or clarity, we can always just ask the water.” This philosophy, centered on reciprocity and gratitude, echoes throughout her music, encouraging listeners to engage in advocacy for sacred water rights.

Among her original compositions is She Stands for Truth and Justice, an anthem that highlights women’s empowerment and environmental stewardship. “Our children have the right to grow up in a clean environment,” Starr asserted. Another track, Mama Bear Leads the Way, narrates a mother’s teachings on gratitude and the importance of giving back. “Mama Bear shows how our gratitude and positive energy can help heal the water,” she stated.

Starr’s energetic protest song, Rally Your Leaders and Protect Our Waters, calls for collective action to address environmental challenges. In contrast, the softer piece, Come to the Water, invites moments of reflection and clarity during difficult times. “Sometimes the answers we’re looking for come when we walk to the river and listen,” she remarked.

The journey toward her debut album began just two years ago at community events like the IAM Collective Holiday Markets. Fresh in her recovery, Starr found her voice and confidence through these performances. “Indigenous events like IAM Collective gave me a place to grow,” she said, expressing gratitude for community support from figures like Lorrie Cree Spring Davis.

Surrounded by mentors such as Curt Young, who will play lead guitar at her fundraiser, Starr is making strides in her musical career. She recognizes the importance of collaboration within the music industry. “There’s collaboration happening,” she noted, emphasizing music’s role in bridging cultural gaps.

Starr has penned 12 original songs for her debut album, each designed to inspire action and raise awareness about environmental issues. “I want my music to create a wave of awareness and inspire a movement,” she stated. “In the beginning, I didn’t know how to educate or advocate. The only way was to practice – to start writing songs about why water is important.”

The upcoming fundraiser is not just a performance; it is a declaration of her commitment to her community and future generations. “This album is for my community, for all our grandchildren,” she emphasized. Her debut single, Sun Is on the Rise, is already available on major streaming platforms, including Spotify and Apple Music.

Starr prefers community-focused events over traditional bar scenes, aligning with her recovery journey. “I stay away from the bar scene because I’m in recovery,” she noted. “I prefer community-based events and Indigenous gatherings; those are the spaces where I feel most connected.”

The support from her community is palpable, with numerous Indigenous artists joining her for the fundraiser. “I have loads of community support from Indigenous artists performing at my fundraiser,” she said, inviting supporters to engage with her music. “Please show your support by coming to my album fundraiser, streaming my music, and engaging with us on social media.”

Through her music, performances, and advocacy, Bobbi-Jo Starr aspires to inspire a new generation of water protectors and Indigenous artists. “My music flows like the rivers I sing about – resilient, healing, and alive with purpose,” she remarked. “Water is sacred. It’s a mirror of our spirit. And it’s our responsibility to protect and respect it.”

The album fundraiser will take place on November 23, 2025, from 17:00 to 20:00 MST at High Note Bar & Grill, with host Lance Cardinal and special guests including Donita Large, Darla Daniels, Lena Daniels, Curt Young, Melody McArthur, Jessie Rose, and Jared Sowan. Tickets can be purchased online or at the door.