Instruments of Change: A Successful Year of Giving at Artscan Circle

Every year, Artscan Circle has gathered donated instruments and artistic tools from Canadians to be sent to northern, remote Indigenous Communities accessible only by plane, boat, or winter roads. In the last twenty years, we have shipped over 40,000 instruments and artistic tools to the North. 

This year was no exception, with the help of Canadians who showed up at our Instrument Drives in downtown Toronto and donated their lovely instruments and artistic tools, Artscan Circle was able to ship 112 instruments and artistic tools to 13 northern communities! Thank you for your donation! We appreciate you! 

We would also like to thank our funders and the Hugh’s Live Room for hosting our Spring Instrument Drive, as well as our long-time partners and friends at D’Addario, who have generously donated their expertise in shipping instruments and equipment, and for great conversations with our team!

And a big thank you to our AWESOME volunteers: Morris, Paul, Celine, Joseph, Joe, Dezeh and Tibaa for helping us at our Instrument Drives and getting the instruments into the hands of Indigenous Youth. We also like to thank the Artscan Circle team, Laura, Lyndsey and Seemoir, for their dedicated work and organization. 

None of this work could be done without each and every one of you. 

 With gratitude, 

 Artscan Circle 

13 Northern Communities Impacted  
Pikagnikum First Nation, Ontario 
Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug ( Big Trout Lake), Ontario
Dawson City, Yukon
Mayo, Yukon
Carcross, Yukon 
Fort Albany First Nation (ON)
Attawapiskat First Nation (ON) 
Wabaseemoong Independent Nation (ON)
Pimicikamak Cree Nation (Cross Lake, MB) 
Mathias Colomb Cree Nation (Pukatawagan, MB) 
Tataskweyak Cree Nation (Split Lake, MB) 
Sandy Lake First Nation (ON) 
Keewaywin First Nation (ON) 
Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation (MB)

112 Instruments and Artistic Tools Shipped to the North!
• 38 violins 
• 14 amps
• 9 guitars
• 8 keyboards plus 4 stands
• 8 guitar Stands
• 8 string instruments
• 4 horns
• 3 boxes of music lesson books
• 3 boxes of walking sticks
• 3 music storage boxes
• 3 Djembe
• 2 speakers
• 2 drum sets 
• 1 box of drum sticks
• 1 box of cords
• 1 stage Performance Kit 

AGLACE CHAPMAN EDUCATION CENTRE

Testimonial

“These instruments will undoubtedly add immense value to the development of our music program. We are already seeing their positive impact; our high school students who have begun using them during recess, under the keen supervision of Mr. Babak Golpayegani.

We are particularly excited about the drum set, which we plan to feature prominently in our upcoming Christmas concert! Furthermore, the string instruments you sent have already inspired three teachers to volunteer their time to teach students how to play them.

The arrival of this equipment is a major step forward, and it will be instrumental in the integration of a formal music course into our school's curriculum and the development of a much-anticipated school choir.

Looking ahead, our staff is already planning to use the instruments to host a community show, potentially in February or March of 2026.

On behalf of the entire Aglace Chapman Education Centre and the community of Big Trout Lake, thank you, and thank you Artscan, for your incredible generosity in sending these instruments. We are deeply grateful for your support and hope to continue partnering with Artscan to develop and enrich the arts within our school and the wider community.”

Aglace Chapman Education Center
Big Trout, Ontario