New billboard honours musician from Tataskweyak Cree Nation

A musician fromTataskweyak Cree Nationnow greetsanyone driving intothe northern Manitoba community, or at least his image on abillboarddoes.

Sebastian Gaskinwent home last week to asurprise his face along the highway.

"It was really moving to feel that love and that acceptance from the community that I grew up in," he said.

Gaskin, who is now living in Toronto, hadn't beenhome in over six years so when ayouth conference invited him, he said he jumped at the opportunity.

"Living out here in Toronto, it's difficult to find connection to your culture," Gaskin said.

Gaskin won a Western Canadian Music Award in 2021 for R&B Artist of the Yearand a selection to attend the Allan Slaight JunoMasterclass, an artist development program. He is finishing up his debut album but has a lot of music already out, including his latest singleGhost.

The singer-songwriter moved to pursue his music career, saying growing up on a reserve can be "quitedifficult with the lack of opportunity and activities."

Bu he added the billboard is also a sign of hope.

"If a kid from here can make it out in the big world, then why can't you?" he said.

Dieter Beardy, afriend ofGaskin's since high school, said "the vibes were just amazing" at the July 1 unveiling.

"He was speechless," said Beardy.

"I'm so proud of him and all of his accomplishments."

Their old bandthe 280 DirtBand, whose last show was in 2017, reunited for the event andplayed together at the school arbour for the big sign unveil.

While it was the youth at the conference that pushed for this commemorationto happen,David Chartrand, whose wife is from Tataskweyak Cree Nation, helped co-ordinate things.

"We wanted to make it something that will capture your eyes once you pull into the community," he said.

Chatrand credits Marty McLean for the billboard design.