Darcy Ataman

Keynote Speaker | Winnipeg, Manitoba

Humanitarian Music Producer
Trauma Recovery & Cultural Healing Innovator

Darcy Ataman's Expertise: Innovation & Creativity, Strategic Thinking, Public Relations & Media Training, Business Ethics & Values, Conflict Resolution, Psychological Safety, Racial Justice, Cultural Diversity and Resilience & Change.

Darcy Ataman

About Speaker Darcy Ataman

Darcy Ataman has dedicated his work to bringing an alternate form of music therapy to survivors of conflict and trauma. He developed the innovative Healing in Harmony music therapy program in partnership with Nobel Peace Prize laureate Dr. Denis Mukwege and continues to scale the innovation that has served over 19,000 individuals in nine countries around the world including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Uganda, Guinea, South Africa, Turkey/Syria, Peru, and Indigenous communities in Canada. In 2019, he co-founded a groundbreaking publishing model for artists living in extreme poverty. He has been awarded the Meritorious Service Cross in 2020 by the Governor General, the Order of Manitoba in 2022, along with the Platinum Jubilee Medal and the Ruth Roberts Award for Heroes for Children.

Nmc Amplifier Ep. 6: Darcy Ataman on Changing Lives Through Music

Nmc Amplifier Ep. 6: Darcy Ataman on Changing Lives Through Music

Darcy Ataman Biography

Darcy Ataman has dedicated his work to bringing an alternate form of music therapy to survivors of conflict and trauma. He developed the innovative Healing in Harmony music therapy program in partnership with Nobel Peace Prize laureate Dr. Denis Mukwege and continues to scale the innovation that has served over 19,000 individuals in nine countries including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Uganda, Guinea, South Africa, Turkey/Syria, and Peru.

Recently, Darcy Ataman has worked closely with Indigenous leaders in Canada to further develop the unique model of therapy and help address generational trauma. The latest Healing in Harmony partnerships include projects with Aboriginal Legal Services in Toronto and Kehewin Native Dance Theatre in Kehewin Cree Nation, Alberta.

Darcy Ataman graduated from the University of Manitoba with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. He has worked internationally as a music producer, collaborating with artists such as Levon Helm and DJ Jazzy Jeff’s studio, resulting in several Juno nominations.

In 2019, Darcy Ataman co-founded A4A Records and Publishing with legendary producer David Bottrill, creating a groundbreaking publishing model for artists living in extreme poverty and conflict zones. Darcy Ataman also spearheaded Artists for Sudan and Artists for Iran, reimagining U2’s “Sunday Bloody Sunday” with Jim Cuddy, Neil Sanderson from Three Days Grace, Cone McCaslin from Sum 41, Serena Ryder, Corey Hart, Emmanuel Jal, and others.

As a music and video producer by trade, Darcy Ataman continues to collaborate with creatives around the world, including a partnership with celebrated producer and photographer Platon and The People’s Portfolio, for which he completed the score for the documentary film My Body is Not a Weapon.

In February 2023, Darcy Ataman unveiled the short film Ukrainian Artists United at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. The project he co-created with photographer Jason Willheim showcases 11 artists in Lviv and their experience living through war in collaboration with Canadian artists such as members of Billy Talent, The Trews, Julian Taylor, and Adrian X (Drake).

The launch event on the one-year anniversary of the Russian invasion became the most successful exhibit launch in the museum’s history and will be a temporary exhibition at the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa in February 2025. Recently, Darcy Ataman produced a 9,000-pound recreation of the 2015 tragic Alan Kurdi image using over 3,000 shoes from refugees across 25 countries.

This 25-foot-tall, 46-foot-wide structure was placed in downtown Winnipeg for approximately one month and drew substantial public engagement while advocating for the rights of refugees. A smaller piece entitled Requiem, utilizing 60 backpacks, furthered this campaign and was subsequently installed on Parliament Hill for one day.

Darcy Ataman was awarded the Meritorious Service Cross in July 2020 by the Governor General of Canada for his outstanding humanitarian work. In July 2022, he received the Order of Manitoba for his dedication to enriching the lives of vulnerable populations in conflict and post-conflict zones.

In April 2023, Darcy Ataman was awarded the Platinum Jubilee Medal for Manitoba in recognition of his contributions to the province. In January 2024, he received the Ruth Roberts Award for Heroes for Children by World Vision Canada.

A contributor to the Huffington Post and other publications, Darcy Ataman has also been a guest lecturer at Oxford University, the University of Winnipeg, and various international events, speaking to the long-lasting impact of music and its ability to re-stitch the soul.

Darcy Ataman Topic Presentations

Darcy Ataman From Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada delivers keynote presentations, workshops, fireside chats, moderated Q&A, and other presentation formats on a wide variety of topics. Each presentation is unique, customized and tailored for audiences, industries, conferences and event formats.

Mental Health Expert: What Overcoming Trauma in the Hotspots of the World Can Teach Us

Health and Wellness : Building Resilience and Gratitude Through Adversity and Service

Restorative Justice: Community Development, Peace Building and Leadership Through the Arts

Interviews
Darcy Ataman
  • Howard Mandshein Talks to Darcy Ataman About Make Music Matter and Live Loud Live.
Podcasts
Darcy Ataman
  • Ep. 135: Believe in People. Meet Darcy Ataman
  • Darcy Ataman: Travel Safe
Articles
Darcy Ataman
  • Creator of Ukrainian Musical Documentary Featured at the Canadian Museum of Human Rights Reflects
  • Travel Safe Art Instillation Unveiled in Odeon Park
  • Winnipeg-born Music Producer and Humanitarian Darcy Ataman Will Be Recognized for Creating Healing

Darcy Ataman Speaking Testimonials

"Mr. Ataman is an incredibly dedicated and effective humanitarian with extensive experience in conflict and post-conflict zones. He fundamentally believes music and the arts can play a direct and quantifiable role in healing trauma both at the individual and community level. His unique approach is predicated upon his lifelong philosophy that music can be an integral part of community-driven, holistic healing that is adaptable to various cultures and contexts, enabling survivors to regain their sense of agency. Mr. Ataman continually proves that he exemplifies the Canadian values of service and empathy to humanity by utilizing the power of music to both heal and advocate"

Dr. Samantha Nutt MD, MSc, CCFP, FRCPC, C.M

Founder and President
War Child Canada and War Child USA

"Please accept my recommendation for Darcy Ataman for his extraordinary contributions to the well being of our country—and our world—through the healing power of music. I have long admired Mr. Ataman’s work in Canada, Ukraine, and throughout Africa, especially as Founder and CEO of Make Music Matter – an international non-profit, based in Canada, with a mission to use the creative process as a therapeutic tool to help heal trauma and empower marginalized voices. Their innovative Healing in Harmony program for trauma survivors has served over 19,000 individuals in 11 locations across 9 countries in Africa (Rwanda, Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, South Africa, Guinea), the Middle..."

Roméo Dallaire OC, CMM, GOQ, MSC, CD

"Darcy is a powerhouse when it comes to supporting community through music and art. Not just any community, but communities of folks who are confronted and dealing with devastating circumstances, often life threatening. He is deeply committed to amplifying the voices, feelings, and stories of those experiencing violent conditions in their homelands, through a thoughtful pedagogy of healing through music and art. The intention, the hope, is to help people heal, be seen, and heard through their artistic journey and creation. Mr. Ataman has been promoting human rights through his work, and his steadfast determination to connect us with the very human experiences of people in conflict and war."

Isha Khan

Chief Executive Officer
Canadian Museum for Human Rights

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Darcy Ataman known for and what is their expertise as a keynote speaker in Canada?

Darcy Ataman is known for defined subject matter expertise based on professional experience and industry background. As a keynote speaker in Canada for conferences and conventions, their presentations align with organizational objectives and audience outcomes. Corporate keynote speakers in Canada are selected based on credibility, relevance, and practical application. Expertise alignment supports informed booking decisions. Read More

What topics does Darcy Ataman speak on for conferences, conventions, corporate events, and annual general meetings in Canada?

Darcy Ataman delivers keynote presentations on defined topic areas confirmed during booking. Canadian business speakers for corporate meetings in Canada align topic selection with event objectives and audience priorities. Conference speakers in Canada adapt messaging for conventions, trade shows, and summits. Topics are finalized prior to written confirmation. Read More

How do I know if Darcy Ataman is the right fit for my audience, conference, convention, or AGM?

Darcy Ataman is evaluated based on audience alignment, event objectives, and subject matter relevance. Event planners booking keynote speakers in Canada for corporate conferences review experience, delivery style, and industry context. Canadian business speakers for annual general meetings must align with program goals and audience expectations. Fit is clarified during the pre decision call. Read More

Where is Darcy Ataman from and where do they speak across Canada?

Darcy Ataman is from Winnipeg, Manitoba and is available for events across Canada. Conference speakers in Canada frequently travel nationally with defined travel terms. Corporate keynote speakers coordinate scheduling through structured agreements. Availability is confirmed through formal inquiry. Read More

Is Darcy Ataman available as a virtual keynote speaker for online conferences, webinars, or hybrid events in Canada?

Darcy Ataman is available as a virtual keynote speaker for online conferences, corporate webinars, and hybrid events in Canada. Virtual keynote speakers in Canada deliver structured presentations adapted for remote audiences. Format, platform coordination, and timing are confirmed during booking. Virtual availability is documented through written agreement in Canada. Read More

Does Darcy Ataman deliver keynote presentations, workshops, training sessions, breakout sessions, fireside chats, or panel discussions?

Darcy Ataman may deliver keynote presentations as well as workshops and breakout sessions. Canadian business speakers for corporate training in Canada define session length and format during booking. Conference speakers may also participate in fireside chats or panel discussions depending on program design. Session formats are confirmed in writing. Read More

How do I contact Darcy Ataman to check availability and begin the booking process in Canada?

Darcy Ataman is contacted through Speakers Bureau of Canada to confirm availability and event details. Event planners and meeting planners typically schedule a pre decision call to clarify format, objectives, and scope. Booking begins once event requirements are defined. Written confirmation follows agreement execution. Read More

How do I book Darcy Ataman for a conference, convention, trade show, summit, or corporate meeting in Canada?

Darcy Ataman is booked through a structured agreement process confirming availability, fee structure, and logistics. Booking keynote speakers in Canada for conventions and trade shows includes written contracts and defined payment terms. Canadian business speakers for annual general meetings require scope confirmation before date holds convert to confirmed status. Booking is finalized upon agreement execution. Read More

How much does it cost to book Darcy Ataman as a keynote speaker in Canada?

Darcy Ataman keynote speaker fees depend on event type, audience size, format, and location. The cost to book a keynote speaker in Canada varies based on preparation scope and delivery structure. Corporate keynote speakers in Canada confirm fees through a booking agent and written agreement. Final pricing reflects defined scope and contract terms. Read More

Are there additional costs to hire Darcy Ataman for a corporate event, convention, or trade show in Canada?

Additional costs to hire Darcy Ataman may include travel expenses, extended sessions, workshops, meet and greets, emcee duties, or event host roles. Keynote speakers in Canada for business conventions often separate honorarium from travel and related logistics. Canadian business speakers confirm these components in writing before agreement execution. All additional costs are outlined contractually. Read More

How far in advance should I book Darcy Ataman for a conference, convention, or business meeting in Canada?

Darcy Ataman should be booked once event dates, location, and format are confirmed. Conference speakers in Canada often secure dates several months in advance. Corporate keynote speakers for annual general meetings may have limited availability during peak seasons. Early inquiry improves confirmation certainty. Read More

Is Darcy Ataman represented by an agent in Canada and how is the agreement handled?

Darcy Ataman is represented by Speakers Bureau of Canada for booking coordination and agreement management. Keynote speakers in Canada often work through an agency to formalize contracts and payment handling. Agent representation ensures structured communication between organizers and the speaker. Representation clarifies agreement terms before confirmation. Read More