Celebrating Our Rising Star

We are thrilled to celebrate one of our own at the John J. Cali School of Music: Camryn Dewar, an Indigenous (Métis) soprano from Stony Mountain, Manitoba (Treaty One territory), who has been named one of only 14 recipients of the prestigious 2024–2025 Fulbright Canada Student Award.

A trailblazer in every sense, Camryn will complete her Master of Music in Opera Performance under the guidance of Metropolitan Opera’s Barbara Dever next May. Her outstanding artistry and commitment to cultural advocacy have already gained international attention, and this Fulbright Award marks yet another milestone in her rapidly ascending career.

From Rural Roots to Global Stages

Camryn’s musical journey began in rural Manitoba, where she developed her passion for opera and the performing arts. She earned her Bachelor of Music (Vocal Performance with Distinction) at the University of Manitoba before joining us at Montclair State University’s John J. Cali School of Music. Despite the shift from small-town life to some of the world’s most renowned concert halls—like her recent performance in The Grapes of Wrath at Carnegie Hall—Camryn remains deeply connected to her heritage as a proud Red River Métis.

Fostering Truth and Reconciliation Through Music

As part of her Fulbright project, Camryn will present a Lecture Recital Series titled “Harmonizing Truth and Reconciliation: Female Indigenous Representation and Community Engagement in Music.” Through these lecture-recitals, she aims to bridge cultures and spark critical conversations about reconciliation. Mark your calendars for these upcoming presentations:

• April 13 – Montclair Art Museum
• Late April – Montclair State University
• May 12 – American Association of University Women

Celebrating a Multitalented Performer

Camryn’s performance résumé already showcases her remarkable versatility:

• Indians on Vacation (workshop) at Banff Centre
• The Grapes of Wrath at Carnegie Hall
• Blind Injustice in New Jersey (with a future Lincoln Center engagement alongside MasterVoices)
• Li Keur: Riel’s Heart of the North with Manitoba Opera

She will soon take on the role of the Mother in Hansel and Gretel with Montclair Chamber Ensemble Opera—yet another opportunity to witness her exceptional talent.

A Champion for Indigenous Women’s Voices

Beyond the stage, Camryn has been recognized by numerous organizations for her academic excellence, cultural advocacy, and dedication to community engagement. Her accolades include the Association of American University Women Scholarship, Canadian Federation of University Women Scholarship, Modern Métis Woman Scholarship, Les Michif Otipemisiwak Fellowship, and the Association of Opera in Canada Fellowship—reflecting her steadfast commitment to uplifting Indigenous stories in the arts.

About Fulbright Canada

Established in 1946, the Fulbright Program has supported over 325,000 students, scholars, teachers, professionals, scientists, and artists across 155 countries. It remains one of the world’s most renowned academic honors, dedicated to fostering mutual understanding and excellence. As a bi-national, treaty-based organization, Fulbright Canada provides merit-based grants to students and scholars from both Canada and the United States.

Looking Ahead

As she prepares for graduation and for an even brighter future in the world of opera, we couldn’t be prouder of Camryn’s accomplishments. Her success is not only a testament to her passion and resilience but also a celebration of the power of music to unite communities, honor cultural legacies, and inspire lasting change.