R31 is deeply saddened at news of the sudden passing of Vince Fontaine. In 2020 Vince and Andrew Wall co-directed Eagle & Hawk Take the Stage, a TV-half hour documentary for CBC. (Learn more and watch the film at CBC Gem.)
When working with Vince we saw a kind and thoughtful person who cared deeply about the important things in life, like family and community. He had many things to say about celebrating his indigenous heritage as well as was deeply invested in social justice but also just loved rocking out. Music was Vince’s way to do all of this and the countless awards and accolades that his career garnered shows that he did it well.
Vince’s presence in the Canadian music scene cannot be understated. Eagle & Hawk and Vince’s other band Indian City, both of which he was foundational, were pioneering in blending sound, culture and ideas on the Canadian landscape. This made working with him a wonderful window into a vibrant and exciting world. Vince was a rockstar but you’d never know it if you hadn’t seen him on stage because he always shone the light on those around him.
Simply, Vince rocked. We’ll miss him greatly.
R31