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

Break 1 Music: Further From the Country (song) William Prince (artist) Further From the Country (album)

Break 2 Music: Save the World (song) Tribz (artist) Trimmed (album)