This year’s Juno Awards in Hamilton, Ontario, included historic wins and high-profile performances by Indigenous artists, celebrating their roles as central, defining voices in contemporary Canadian music. Oji-Cree singer-songwriter Aysanabee secured two major honors: Alternative Album of the Year and Contemporary Indigenous Artist of the Year for his project Edge of the Earth. Veteran powwow group Bear Creek won for Traditional Indigenous Group—their first Juno in a nearly 30-year career. William Prince performed his song For the First Time, and Inuk throat singer Tanya Tagaq appeared onstage as part of a tribute to Nelly Furtado. We’ll hear more about Indigenous milestones by Indigenous artists at Canada’s biggest celebration of music.

GUESTS

Aysanabee (Oji-Cree, Sucker Clan of Sandy Lake First Nation)

Jai King-Green (Mississaugas Anishinaabe), singer from the Manitou Mkwa Singers

Joe Syrette (Ojibwe from Batchewana First Nation), head singer for Bear Creek

Yellow Bear Nakota (Nakoda), Indigenous Sioux singer