Full Breakdown
Shawn Mendes and Tia Wood Collaborate in Vancouver Concert
10/15/2025, 11:55:00 AM
Special Performance at Rogers Arena
On October 12, 2023, Canadian singer-songwriter Shawn Mendes performed at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, where he invited emerging Cree and Salish artist Tia Wood to join him on stage. This marked Wood's second performance at the venue, following her appearance at the Juno Awards in March. Mendes expressed his gratitude for the time he has spent with Indigenous communities globally, emphasizing the lessons learned from these interactions. He stated, “I’ve been so incredibly lucky and blessed to spend time with some Indigenous communities around the world,” highlighting the beauty and healing offered by these cultures.
Duet of "Youth"
During the concert, Mendes and Wood performed a duet of Mendes's song "Youth," which conveys a message of resilience for marginalized youth. Wood contributed a poignant verse addressing the issue of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls, stating: “Where do I start? How do I say it? My voice is so tired and I cannot fake it. Our mothers, daughters, sisters go missing every day.” The performance blended Mendes's pop style with Wood's traditional Indigenous influences, creating a powerful moment that resonated with the audience.
Audience Reaction and Personal Reflections
The audience responded enthusiastically, applauding the collaboration. After the performance, Wood shared her emotions on Facebook, stating, “That was for my rez babies everywhere. I spoke my truth and tried to represent the best way I could.” She noted that although her family could not be present, their spiritual support was felt as they "war cried and lele’d behind" her. Mendes also expressed his honor in sharing the stage with Wood, remarking, “This is Canada.”
Mendes' Tour and Upcoming Releases
Mendes's "On the Road Again" tour is set to conclude on October 17 at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles. He recently released a new single titled "Home," in collaboration with Eddie Benjamin. Tia Wood is also preparing to release her new single, "Sage my Soul," on the same day as the tour finale.
Criticism and Opposition
While the performance was celebrated, some critics argue that the mainstream music industry often overlooks Indigenous issues. They emphasize the need for sustained attention to the challenges faced by Indigenous communities, rather than one-off performances that may not lead to meaningful change.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I’ve been so incredibly lucky and blessed to spend time with some Indigenous communities around the world,” — Shawn Mendes
- “Where do I start?/ How do I say it?/ My voice is so tired and I cannot fake it/ Our mothers, daughters, sisters/ Go missing every day/ Hard to feel hopeful/ When hope feels far away.” — Tia Wood
- “This was for my rez babies everywhere. I spoke my truth and tried to represent the best way I could. Spoke about our missing relatives,” — Tia Wood
In summary, the collaboration between Shawn Mendes and Tia Wood during the Vancouver concert not only showcased their musical talents but also highlighted important social issues, fostering a deeper connection with the audience.