Spotlight on Walking Wolf Ray (Co-Co) Stevenson:

A Voice of Culture, Song, and Spirit

A powerhouse in the Indigenous arts community, Walking Wolf Ray—affectionately known as Co-Co—has spent decades using his voice and music to uplift, educate, and inspire.

Born and raised in Winnipeg on Treaty 1 territory, with Ojibway and Cree roots, Co-Co is a celebrated singer, composer, and respected MC for Pow Wows and Round Dances.

Over the years, he has recorded seven original albums and was a longtime member of the Juno Award-winning band Eagle and Hawk. He’s also one of the founding members of the Red Shadow Singers, whose presence has resonated for more than 37 years. His collaborations with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra (WSO) further highlight the breadth and depth of his musical legacy.

For more than 20 years, Co-Co has been a proud part of the Folklorama community.

“One of the things I’ve always appreciated about Folklorama is the opportunity to share who we are—our background, our culture—as Indigenous people, and to learn from others from around the world,” he says. As a former Entertainment Coordinator for the Dakota Ojibway Tribal Council (DOTC) Pavilion, he recalls the honour of being consistently ranked as one of the top must-see Pavilions. “It was a memorable time. Every group that came through left with a new understanding of who we are.”

Co-Co continues to champion reconciliation through education. “If we want to move forward, we need to understand the past. Education is key,” he says. Looking ahead, he hopes to keep inspiring through music and storytelling—connecting hearts and building bridges across Turtle Island and beyond.

Folklorama is honoured to count Co-Co and his performing group, the Walking Wolf Dances & Singers among its dedicated members.

Learn more about the Walking Wolf Dancers & Singers.