Elizabeth Sheppard is a Mi’kmaw singer-songwriter and mother of two amazing sons from Corner Brook, Elmastukwek. She grew up in a very musical family, singing, playing guitar and writing music. As a child she performed for several years at the Bonne Bay Regatta concert with her father and sister and trained with acclaimed music teacher, the late Gary Graham. Elizabeth has always been passionate about singing and was heavily involved in school and church choirs and participated in music theatre in her teen years. She grew up listening to Abba and 80’s British pop music, but it was her father’s love of performing folk music that inspires her sound the most. She credits this abundance of positive musical influence for the development of her sound that uses lush harmonies to create depth and emotion.
Elizabeth dreamed of being a singer but her wisely practical mother encouraged her to get an education first, stating “Anne Murray was a teacher first.” Elizabeth attended Memorial University and followed in her father’s footsteps, earning Bachelors and Masters degrees in Social Work. She has worked as a therapist for more than 30 years and views song writing as her own therapy and an opportunity to share stories she hopes are meaningful to others.
While some of her music is autobiographical, others reflect the shared struggle of managing life after conflict, heartbreak and loss. It was her relationship with accomplished Mi’kmaw musician Paul Pike that first encouraged Elizabeth to record her music, accomplishing a long held dream. Elizabeth shares the Prosper family bloodline is excited to express her love and connection with culture through her music. She currently lives in St. John’s, NL but aspires to return home to her roots on the west coast.
Singles streaming on all platforms: Wooden House (featuring Paul Pike)
Elmastukwek (featuring Paul Pike)