Vancouver Folk Music Festival 2026
Gamksimoon
British Columbia

G̱a̱mksimoon, meaning waterspout in Sm’algya̱x, is a unique rock and roll project deeply rooted in the cultural and natural heritage of the Ts’msyen people. Created by Wil Uks Batsga G̱a̱laaw (Jeremy Pahl) of the Gitga’at First Nation, G̱a̱mksimoon draws its inspiration from the swirling, transformative energy of the waterspout—a weather phenomenon that mirrors the project’s dynamic and ever-evolving sound.
Blending the intricate rhythms and melodies of pre-contact Ts’msyen music with the raw power of rock and roll, G̱a̱mksimoon offers a soundscape that is both timeless and cutting-edge. Singing entirely in Sm’algya̱x, Gamksimoon honours and revitalizes the language, bringing its beauty to audiences through an electrifying musical experience.
“I’m really passionate about keeping our language going,” Pahl told Windspeaker.com. “We don’t have too many speakers left and it’s just kind of a race against time while our Elders are still around. There’s not too many of us that are stepping up to the plate so to speak.”
The music of G̱a̱mksimoon is a celebration of culture and nature, resonating with the unpredictability and force of the waterspout it’s named after. From its intricate storytelling to its driving rhythms, G̱a̱mksimoon carries the essence of the Ts’msyen spirit into the world of contemporary music, inspiring listeners to embrace the connection between tradition and innovation. -EL
SET TIMES TBC
