Information/Write-up
Henry and Delores Gardipy were among the earliest Indigenous country duos to emerge from Saskatchewan’s prairie music circuit, blending traditional fiddle music, classic country repertoire, gospel, and original songwriting rooted in Cree and Métis cultural experience. Their partnership—both musical and personal—became known throughout Western Canada for its warmth, accessibility, and commitment to community-centred performance.
Henry Gardipy was of Cree descent and hailed from Beardy’s First Nation, located near the historic Saskatchewan sites of Duck Lake, Fort Carlton, St. Laurent, and Batoche—the latter widely recognized as the cultural heart of the Métis Nation and home of the annual Back to Batoche celebrations. Music became central to Henry’s life at an early age. By six, his musical inclination was already evident; by eleven, he was performing at family gatherings and old-time barn dances, and a year later he had begun singing. Largely self-taught, Henry developed his skills on guitar and fiddle while absorbing the influence of Hank Williams Sr. and other foundational country artists, eventually becoming a sought-after performer at regional functions and community events.
Henry met Delores in 1972, falling “head-over-heels,” as later described in biographical accounts. Delores was originally from the Red Pheasant First Nation near North Battleford. Prior to their meeting, her musical background was limited to church choir singing, and she had never anticipated performing professionally. Encouraged by Henry, she began singing publicly—an unexpected step that marked the beginning of what became known as The Gardipy’s. Their vocal harmony and natural rapport quickly distinguished them within Saskatchewan’s country music scene.
The Gardipys began performing together regularly in the late 1970s and gained broader recognition after appearing at amateur showcases, leading to their selection for the 1980 Kinsmen Telemiracle in Regina. That same year they were finalists in the C.K.B.I. Spotlight on Talent series and were subsequently invited to perform at the National Folk Festival in Ottawa. Additional appearances followed at the University of Regina and major cultural gatherings including Indian & Métis Heritage Days at Batoche, where they shared stages with artists such as Ray St. Germain, Winston Wuttunee, and Ernest Monias.
Support from Winston Wuttunee proved instrumental during this period, both in performance opportunities and in facilitating recording activity. The Gardipys recorded their debut LP Meet the Gardipy’s in 1981 at Century 21 Studio in Winnipeg, marking their first formal release and establishing them within the Canadian Indigenous country recording tradition. While maintaining their musical careers, both Henry and Delores were also employed by Saskatchewan Social Services, receiving notable support from their employers for their artistic pursuits—including performances at the Cross Canada Heads of Corrections Conference in Saskatoon.
Beyond their duo work, Henry Gardipy developed a formidable reputation as a traditional fiddler. He went on to become one of Canada’s leading Aboriginal fiddlers, earning multiple competition awards and recognition within Métis music circles. He was a three-time Métis fiddling champion and held the Reg Bouvette Trophy for best fiddler in Canada. His contributions were later acknowledged in An Anthology of Métis Music, where he was recognized as the youngest contributor among prominent Indigenous artists.
In the mid-1980s, Henry was identified as one of Canada’s rising musical talents and was offered a five-year recording contract in Nashville, Tennessee—an opportunity he ultimately declined due to personal circumstances, a decision he later stated he did not regret. Throughout his career, Henry continued to perform traditional fiddle music alongside country, gospel, and original compositions inspired by people met and places travelled across Canada and the United States.
Together, Henry and Delores performed extensively throughout Canada and the United States, appearing at weddings, reunions, cultural celebrations, and informal jam sessions alike. Their repertoire ranged from classic country standards by George Jones, Tammy Wynette, Kitty Wells, Hank Williams Sr., and the Kendalls to gospel selections and original songs, with Delores’s renditions—particularly of “Golden Ring”—becoming audience favourites.
Henry and Delores Gardipy are widely regarded as trailblazers among Indigenous country duos in Canada, helping to open doors for future generations of Aboriginal performers while remaining deeply rooted in community, tradition, and the shared joy of music-making.
-Robert Williston
Musicians
Henry Gardipy: vocals
Delores Gardipy: vocals
Ron Halldorson: steel guitar, dobro
Stan Winstock: fiddle
Craig Fotheringham: keyboards
Clyde Roulette: electric lead guitar
Wes Wilson: bass, acoustic guitar
Eddie Birkett: drums
Songwriting
‘Silver Sandals’ written by Dolly Parton, Porter Wagoner
‘Our Love Is Like the Weather’ written by Henry Gardipy, Delores Gardipy
‘Love Roses for the Spring’ written by Henry Gardipy, Delores Gardipy, Winston Wuttunee
‘Forbidden Angel’ written by Mel Street
‘Dear I’ll Ask You a Question’ written by Winston Wuttunee
‘Golden Ring’ written by George Jones, Tammy Wynette
‘Storms Never Last’ written by Waylon Jennings, Jesse Colter
‘If Tear Drops Were Pennies’ written by Dolly Parton, Porter Wagoner
‘Today I Started Loving You Again’ written by Merle Haggard
‘Nite Life (and Warm Red Wine)’ written by Henry Gardipy, Delores Gardipy
Published by Linkon Publishing where applicable.
Production
Produced by Wes Wilson
Engineered by Harry Taylor
Recorded at Century 21 Studio, Winnipeg, Manitoba
Artwork
Photography by Kal’s Studio, North Battleford, Saskatchewan
Copy by Chris Wyatt
Liner notes:
The Gardipys first began entertaining in early 1979. After several appearances at local amateur shows, they were selected to perform in the 1980 Kinsmen Telemiracle held in Regina. Later the same year they received an award as finalists of the C.K.B.I. Spotlight on Talent Series. In July of that year, they were invited to a National Folk Festival held in Ottawa. This appearance led to a performance in September at the University of Regina. Among those in attendance was Lieutenant Governor McIntosh. In July, 1980 and June, 1981, they performed for the Indian & Metis Heritage Days at Batoche, Saskatchewan, with entertainers such as Ray St. Germaine, Winston Wuttunee, and Ernest Moonias. More recently, in August, 1981, they travelled to Chisasibi, Quebec to perform at the official opening of the relocated town previously known as Fort George with recording artist, Winston Wuttunee who has taken an interest in promoting their singing performances and has given them a lot of support in making a recording.
Henry and Delores live in North Battleford, Saskatchewan. They both work for the Corrections Branch of Saskatchewan Social Services. Henry is employed as a Correctional Officer at the Community Training Residence and Delores is employed as a Probation Officer and works out of the Saskatchewan Social Services office. In July of 1981, they entertained for the Cross Canada Heads of Corrections Conference held in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. The Gardipys get a lot of support from their employers for their talents.
They both enjoy music and play in a five piece country and western band consisting of steel guitar player and country fiddle player, Duane Hienze; bass guitar player, Pat Smith; and drummer, Tom Seesequasis. The Gardipys compose most of their own music and lyrics.
Dolores and Henry Gardipy are Country purists that speak for themselves each time they perform over their famous province of Saskatchewan. They genuinely enjoy playing good country music for their many fans, and they of course, are always asked for a return engagement.
This talented young couple from Saskatchewan have written three fine selections for this album. Not bad for their first time out!
So for some great listening pleasure, go down to your nearest record dealer and hope yourself the all new Gardipy album, sit back, listen and enjoy the Best. Oh yeah, tell your friends — they’ll want one too! Musically yours,
-w. Funk
President of Linkon Guitar Co.
Special Thanks To:
Our many fans who made this album possible. To Winston Wuttunee for his encouragement and to our good friends, Mike, Annie, and Bernie Vennick, Redberry Highway Sales, Hafford, Sask. for their support. Also to C.J.N.B. — David Decker.
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