He went from being bullied to making beats. Cody Coyote was born and raised in Ottawa, where his family was displaced to. A member of Bear Clan, he is Ojibwe from Matachewan First Nation on his father’s side of the family and Irish on his mother’s. His father is a 60s scoop survivor and his grandmother was a residential school survivor.

A hip hop, electronic pop artist, Coyote recently released a new single called Stand. He’s been pursuing his music career since he graduated from high school in 2010. He also works as a child and youth care worker at a youth center, and hosts The Beat on Element FM, a station that plays 35% Indigenous music.

Outside of work, Coyote works out daily as part of a strict fitness regimen. Being active is important for maintaining his sobriety, as he’s been in recovery for 13 years. “With sobriety, you learn how to love yourself in different ways, and I try to stay in balance with that medicine wheel, honoring the physical wellness, emotional, spiritual and mental wellness, and being in balance with each of that in each day,” he reflects. Strength training, running, and nature walks are part of the physical domain but he also sees emotions, mental and spiritual components.

His advice for first time gym goers is, “Go see what's up. Any type of movement is good. You don't have to go in there and lift 300 pounds right off the get go. Just get your foot in the door. If you don't know how to do something, don't be afraid to ask questions.” Coyote was intimidated at first but when he stopped comparing himself to others, it got easier. Training at the Friendship Centre with former Olympians, hockey players, professional fighters and more, he is able to ask questions and get mentorship.

Thinking back to how it all started, Coyote got into music after discovering it in high school. He was being picked on for having long hair as one of a handful of Indigenous kids in his school. A teacher introduced him to a studio space and he went from playing with acoustic guitars to making hip hop beats and rapping. Music has become a grounding self care practice. “I just encourage anybody to get in there too, embrace whatever your gift is,” he urges.

Coyote got working at the youth centre after working in group homes, where he was trying to understand the system that had impacted his family. He decided he wanted to have a bigger impact on youth and started doing workshops in Indigenous communities. When the pandemic hit, he applied to work at the youth centre and he’s been doing that rewarding work ever since. He wanted to do service work, reflecting on his father’s words that service is gratitude in action.

When it comes to obstacles, Coyote has struggled with people’s expectations of perfection and cancel culture. “I try to encourage people, ‘We're all human. We make mistakes. If you make a mistake, be accountable for it and grow from it.’” As a mentor for up and coming artists, he tries to prepare them for that reality, saying, “Be ready… Because not everybody is going to be nice to you along the way. And all you can do is just say, ‘Hey, I wish you the best. Go in peace.’”

To keep his mental health in check, Coyote smudges daily and uses positive affirmation cards and oracle cards. Starting the day grounded helps him mentally and spiritually. He also puts tobacco in his shoes to ground him when he has stress during the day.

As far as inspiration goes, Coyote looks to his dad who has given him guidance and advice during his recovery. He’s also shown him the hope that exists despite intergenerational trauma. He’s also inspired by his cousin who grew up in powwow circles and attending ceremonies. They connected two years ago over their shared interests and she brings a lot of inspiration on days he’s struggling.

Looking to the future, Coyote wants to go back to school for a social work program. Musically, he has two albums coming up with 20 songs ready to go. He also runs a clothing brand called Before Contact which supports Indigenous youth programming, programming initiatives across Turtle Island through 10% of each sale. He hopes the future holds new collections in his fashion life.

If he could give advice to aspiring musicians it would be, “YouTube is a gold mine.” Coyote talks about how you can learn to use FL Studio and so much more from producers. He suggests asking artists in your community questions. He also recommends checking out the Music Industry Arts program at Algonquin College to learn about the music business and the technical skills required.

To inspire Indigenous youth, Coyote says, “you are worthy, you are good enough, you are capable.” He encourages them to use that as a daily positive affirmation and assures them it will make a difference. “You are able to accomplish anything that you set your heart and your mind to, and don't go backwards. Keep moving forward."

Going from being bullied to making beats, Cody Coyote found a path to self expression that he’s turned into a career. Working with youth, hosting radio shows, designing fashion, and making music, he’s a multipassionate independent artist following his dreams. Inspired by his family and his heart for service, he’s giving back and mentoring the next generation of artists along the way.

Thanks to Alison Tedford Seaweed for authoring this article.