05/17/2026
We were very saddened to hear the news today of the passing of Juno-nominated musician Cris Derksen following a tragic car accident.
Our thoughts are with Derksen's wife, loved ones and colleagues. Truly a sad day. 💔😔
Renowned Indigenous cellist and composer Cris Derksen has passed away following a vehicle collision in Alberta on Saturday.
Originally from Treaty 8 territory in northern Alberta, Cris Derksen (Cree) was widely recognized for genre-defying work that bridged classical music, Indigenous musical traditions, and contemporary electronic sound.
A Juno-nominated artist, Derksen helped expand what Indigenous music could look and feel like across orchestral halls, festivals, film, theatre, dance, and contemporary performance spaces throughout Turtle Island and beyond.
Derksen also composed music for the Pulitzer Prize-winning podcast Stolen: Surviving St. Michael’s, founded the Indigenous Classical Gathering at Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity, and made their Carnegie Hall debut in 2024 with Orchestre Métropolitain and conductor Yannick Nézet-Séguin.
Their 2015 project Orchestral Powwow became one of the defining works of contemporary Indigenous classical fusion.
Early reports also indicate Cris’ wife was seriously injured in the accident. We are holding their loved ones in our thoughts during this incredibly difficult time.
Rest in power,
Cris Derksen
1981–2026
