Oluwi-7

Oluwikonok — meaning “7” or “the pointing finger” in the Wolastoqey language — is the musical project of Oluwi-Sapiye Aubin-Bérubé, a Wolastoqew/Québécois artist from the Deer Clan and the community of Wolastoqiyik Wahsipekuk.

Through this project, Oluwi seeks to revive the old magical aspects of Wabanaki (Ckuwaponahkiyik) culture, bringing them into modern times through a unique blend of traditional sounds, guitar, and electronic beats inspired by the SoundCloud emo rap era of Lil Peep and Wicca Phase Springs Eternal.

A graduate of the intensive Wolastoqey adult language program (Wetapeksultiyoq) at St. Thomas University in 2021, Oluwi has since dedicated his life to language and cultural revitalization. In 2022, with the help of many others, he co-founded Kehkimin, the first Wolastoqey immersion and land-based school, located in Eqpahak. This deep connection to language and culture runs through every aspect of his artistic work.

Having performed with several bands and played over 50 shows across New Brunswick, Québec, and Ontario, Oluwi now aspires to share his music — and the spirit of the Wolastoqey people — with audiences around the world.