Occasionally I’m fortunate enough that my life journey crosses paths with someone who touches others on a more personal level beyond just the way they affect me… it’s a life changing and deeply insightful moment which, when you look back, you know it will impact the way you think for a very long time.  That is the case with me upon meeting Dakota Favel.  Now, I’m not going to say I am a die-hard groupie fan; far from it.  In fact, I took it upon myself to keep him humble with sarcastic one liners that poked fun at his music/voice and, thankfully, he accepted my humour and ribbing with a big smile and quick witted responses that always provided comedic relief when we needed it most.  

I first heard of Dakota on CILX 92FM and the MBC Radio network where he worked in his hometown of Ill-A-La-Crosse, and where his voice could be heard across the province.  After he moved to Prince Albert, he planned to upgrade his marks and continue his career in music and radio.  Somewhere along the way, his career plan took an unexpected turn, and he is now completing his second year at Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s Correctional Studies program He’s also enjoyed working with PAPS By Law over the past two summers, which really helped Dakota set his focus and determine where his heart is.  

Having lived in Prince Albert over the past eleven years, Dakota first left his home town looking for a change.  He applied for school and was accepted, so he knew the change he was looking for was beginning.  Even though he enjoyed his work on radio and he loves music, Dakota states, “education is important” and he won’t feel like he’s a success until he’s reached the goals he’s set for himself.  I asked him who he considers a mentor and was very impressed by his humble and encouraging response when he told me that “everyone is a mentor because you learn and hear different things from many different people.  Ultimately, my girlfriend and child inspire me to be a better person than I was yesterday.”  

Dakota travels in Northern Saskatchewan a lot with his music, which he really enjoys.  Part of the reason he takes such pleasure in visiting these communities is the opportunities it affords him to see people dancing, laughing and smiling as they socialize, which is the best feeling in the world for him.  “Seeing people sing, word for word, to a song you wrote is also a feeling that is unexplainable.  Music brings joy and if that means traveling 24 hours to a community … I will.  Music heals, music brings joy.  Music is the medicine.”  Dakota takes his role as a Métis role model and mentor very seriously as well.   He says, “You will encounter challenges and obstacles on your journey but, I promise that if you will remain humble and remain strong to pursue whatever goals you have in life, it’s not ever going to come easily but you will realize your dreams, even if they change along the way.  Hard work and dedication are what will get you there!”  Dakota really loves having the opportunity to record his own music.  He won the 2018 So You Think You Can Sing at Prince Albert’s Northern Lights Casino, which gave him an opportunity to create a cd at Mosaic Music as part of his prize.  He’s sung the National Anthem at the PA Raider’s game and the Junior B Predator’s Lacrosse team game.  He’s reached number four on the National Indigenous Music countdown and he’s also reached number one twice with two original songs on the Saskatchewan Indigenous Music countdown.  He performs locally, most recently at Northern Lights Casino on February 8 and 9th.  He will be performing with Leonard Adam & Sons at the Fuel Stop Sports Bar in PA on February 22 at 9:30pm and on February 23 at the Prince Albert Winter Festival’s Voices of the North Cabaret.

If you’re interested in purchasing a cd or booking Dakota for an event, feel free to contact him on his Facebook page: Dakota Favel or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or search his name on Twitter or Instagram to follow him.  I’m sure he’d welcome the support.