About Us
What the festival all about
Chief Sandy Googoo's legacy continues to inspire and guide his community. His memory is honored through the Inaugural Chief Sandy Googoo Music Festival, a celebration of his life, his contributions, and his enduring love for music and culture. His impact on We’koqma’q First Nation and beyond is profound, and his spirit lives on in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing him.
Inaugural Chief Sandy Googoo Music Festival
Dates: October 2025
Location: We’koqma’q First Nation, Cape Breton
Welcome to the Inaugural Chief Sandy Googoo Music Festival, a three-day celebration of music, culture, and community in the heart of We’koqma’q First Nation. This festival, organized by the 7GI Society and the Chief Sandy Googoo Steering Committee, honors the legacy of the late Chief Sandy Googoo, a revered leader and passionate musician who left an enduring impact on his community.
Festival Highlights:
- Diverse Musical Performances: Enjoy a dynamic lineup of Indigenous and non-Indigenous artists, featuring an array of musical genres. The performances kick off on Friday evening and continue throughout the weekend, concluding with a grand closing ceremony.
- Cultural Experiences: Savor traditional foods like Bannock and moose meat, lovingly prepared by local aunties. These meals, available each evening, offer a delicious taste of the rich cultural heritage of We’koqma’q.
- Vendors and Activities: Explore a variety of vendor stalls offering unique goods and services. RV parking and nearby campgrounds are available for those who wish to immerse themselves fully in the festival experience.
Why Attend?
This festival is more than just a musical event; it’s a celebration of Chief Sandy Googoo’s legacy, bringing together people from all walks of life to share in the joy of music, culture, and community. Set against the stunning backdrop of We’koqma’q First Nation, this festival promises to be an unforgettable experience, filled with heartfelt performances and cultural richness.
Join us at the Chief Sandy Googoo Music Festival October 2025, in We’koqma’q First Nation. Don’t miss out on this unique and heartfelt event that’s set to become a cherished annual tradition. We look forward to seeing you there!
Who is 7GI Society
Chief Sandy Googoo Music Festival Producers
7 Generations Indigenous Society (7GI) is a federally registered non-profit focused on fostering reconciliation and community growth through "Reconcili-Action" with Canadian First Nations. The organization prioritizes youth involvement, empowering them as catalysts for societal change while promoting diversity and collaboration. 7GI's initiatives, tailored to local and global needs, include workshops, cultural exchanges, and mentorship programs led by a network of leaders and elders from various sectors. Their mission is to create a new generation of leaders dedicated to inclusivity, reconciliation, and collective action.
Who is Music on the Hill
A 7GI Society Project
Welcome to Music on the Hill, a unique retreat and music hub nestled in the scenic community of Sydney Mines, overlooking the breathtaking Sydney and North Sydney Harbour. Our space is more than just a place to play music; it's a sanctuary where creativity thrives, and meaningful musical connections are made.
At Music on the Hill, we are dedicated to nurturing emerging artists and fostering the growth of the music industry on Unama'ki / Cape Breton Island. Our mission is to create an environment where artists, music lovers, and the broader community can come together to experience the magic of music. We believe in the power of collaboration and are committed to promoting musical and cultural partnerships that enhance the vibrant cultural landscape of our region.
Our facility features a variety of spaces designed to inspire creativity, including rehearsal rooms and a large, inviting performance area known as the "Living Room." These spaces are available to musicians seeking a place to rehearse, create, or perform in an intimate setting. We also represent a diverse range of artists, helping to elevate their work and connect them with new audiences.
In addition to providing rehearsal and performance spaces, Music on the Hill actively promotes events that showcase the talent and diversity of our local music scene. We organize and support initiatives like the Music on the Hill Collaboration Jams, which bring together like-minded musicians to create and collaborate in a supportive environment.
Music on the Hill is committed to broadening and strengthening the music industry on Unama'ki / Cape Breton Island by offering opportunities for artists to grow, collaborate, and share their work with the world. We invite you to join us on this journey and become a part of our vibrant, creative community.
About Chief Sandy Googoo
"Chief Sandy Googoo was known for his lifelong passion for music"
Chief Sandy Googoo was a revered leader and cultural icon from We’koqma’q First Nation in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. Born and raised in the close-knit community, Chief Googoo was deeply committed to the well-being and prosperity of his people. His leadership spanned decades, during which he served as the Chief of We’koqma’q First Nation and the regional Chief of Nova Scotia. His dedication to his community and his unwavering commitment to advancing Indigenous rights and self-governance made him a respected figure both locally and nationally.
Chief Sandy Googoo was also known for his lifelong passion for music. He was a talented musician and a strong advocate for preserving and promoting Mi'kmaq culture through the arts. His love for music was not just a personal interest but a driving force in his efforts to inspire and uplift the youth in his community. He believed in the power of music to heal, unite, and empower, and he often used it as a tool to bring people together.
In addition to his political and cultural contributions, Chief Googoo was instrumental in fostering economic development in We’koqma’q. He played a pivotal role in numerous initiatives that improved the quality of life for his people, from education and health programs to economic ventures that created jobs and opportunities for future generations.
Chief Sandy Googoo's legacy continues to inspire and guide his community. His memory is honored through the Inaugural Chief Sandy Googoo Music Festival, a celebration of his life, his contributions, and his enduring love for music and culture. His impact on We’koqma’q First Nation and beyond is profound, and his spirit lives on in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing him.
Join Us in Creating Harmony
Be a Part of Something Extraordinary
Experience the transformative power of music and the beauty of cultural diversity. Join us at the Chief Sandy Googoo Music Festival and become a witness to unity in its purest form.
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