Meet Albert

Raised in Calgary and immersed from a young age in culture, ceremony, hunting, and a traditional lifestyle, Albert had the privilege of learning from respected Elders, performers, and singers—both First Nations and internationally recognized indigenous artists. Albert is a singer, songwriter, and drum keeper. He has sung with renowned drum groups including the Juno Award-winning “Stoney Park”, world champion “Midnite Express”, “SharpShooter”, “Poundmaker Singers”, “Mountain Sioux”, and was raised singing with the “Turning Robe Singers” of Siksika Nation. He also toured internationally with the “Thundering Nations” dance troupe in collaboration with legendary Caribbean bands. He has also performed on prominent stages such as the Calgary Stampede’s Grandstand Show, cultural festivals in Hawaii, venues throughout Cuba, and within schools and universities across Canada.

A champion powwow dancer, Albert creates his own dance regalia and is a sought-after artist in traditional arts, particularly porcupine quillwork—a rare and declining art. His beadwork, featherwork, and shellwork have been featured in museum collections and commissioned internationally.

Albert carries Cree, Dene, Sioux, and Iroquois ancestry, with strong family ties to Alexander First Nation, Big Stone First Nation, Waterhen Lake First Nation, and the community of Île-à-la-Crosse. He is a direct descendant of Cree Chief Big Bear. Albert respectfully acknowledges the teachings of his mentors and Elders: Reg and Rose Crowshoe, Patrick and Patricia Daigneault, the late Albert and Marie Daigneault, the late Albert Lightning, and his parents, Jackie Soppit and Adrian Goulet.