Tia Wood & Shawn Mendes Unite in Powerful Anthem

Tia Wood Sings With Shawn Mendes: A Powerful Musical Collaboration

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes

Music is that unexpected friend who shows up uninvited but quickly becomes your favorite guest. It unites people, bridges cultures, and sometimes highlights critical issues while you tap your foot. Case in point: when Tia Wood, a Cree and Salish powerhouse from Saddle Lake Cree Nation, joined pop icon Shawn Mendes on stage in Vancouver. Pop meets pow-wow in a duet energized by passion and purpose.

The Artists: Tia Wood and Shawn Mendes

Tia Wood is more than a singer — she’s a storyteller and cultural ambassador combining Cree and Salish rhythms with contemporary sounds. Hailing from Saddle Lake Cree Nation, Alberta, she uses her music to shed light on Indigenous experiences while crafting beats that resonate deeply.

On the other side, Shawn Mendes is a global pop sensation known for heartfelt ballads and catchy anthems. Beyond chart-topping hits, he’s earned respect for supporting meaningful causes. Their collaboration was a cultural exchange that moved the audience and sparked powerful emotions.

The Performance: A Moving Duet

October 12, 2025. Rogers Arena, Vancouver. On the Road Again Tour. The crowd buzzed as Tia Wood joined Shawn Mendes for a stirring duet of “Youth.” This song, already an anthem of resilience, gained new depth with Wood’s soulful verses addressing grief, hope, and strength.

Her poignant lyrics highlighted the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls (MMIWG):

“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.”

Wood’s powerful words fused seamlessly with Mendes’ choruses, creating an emotional sanctuary on stage—a blend of song, solidarity, and truth.

The Song “Youth” and Its Significance

The addition of Indigenous storytelling transformed “Youth” into more than a pop anthem—it became a call to awareness and justice. Mendes’ hit interwoven with Wood’s verses demonstrated that music can amplify social causes effectively, blending genres to reach wider audiences.

Addressing Indigenous Issues Through Music

Indigenous issues like the MMIWG crisis often remain overlooked. Tia Wood’s music makes these struggles visible, turning notes into calls for action and remembrance. Shawn Mendes acknowledged his growth through connection with Indigenous communities:

“I’ve been so incredibly lucky and blessed over the last few years to spend some time with some Indigenous communities around the world… What I know for sure is that the words will fall flat when describing how healing, and how beautiful, and how much we have to learn from the Indigenous people of this world.”

This collaboration marks a genuine respect and dedication to elevating Indigenous voices.

Audience and Artist Reactions

The Rogers Arena audience responded with enthusiasm and emotional energy. Online, fans praised the duet as a meaningful fusion of culture and music. Mendes shared the moment with millions of followers, calling it an honor, while Wood expressed heartfelt gratitude. From her Juno Awards debut to now, Tia Wood’s rising star shines brightly with no limits in sight.

To Wrap It Up: Music That Moves and Matters

When Tia Wood and Shawn Mendes unite, the result is more than a duet—it’s a cultural intersection, a social statement, and a musical experience that inspires.

Key Takeaways:

• Combining pop with Indigenous traditions creates powerful, moving music.
• “Youth” stands as an anthem for hope and justice, spotlighting missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls.
• Artists like Mendes show how music can champion important causes with authenticity.
• Audiences are eager to learn and connect when given the right song.

How You Can Help:

• Watch the live performance of Tia Wood & Shawn Mendes’ “Youth” on YouTube.
• Explore Tia Wood’s full catalog to experience rich Indigenous storytelling.
• Learn about the MMIWG crisis through trusted Indigenous organizations.
• Support Indigenous musicians by streaming their music and attending concerts.

If you’re still reading, you’re officially my favorite. Now, hit play and let the music speak.