Oji-Cree singer-songwriter nominated for 3 Junos

Oji-Cree singer-songwriter Aysanabee is taking his music career to new heights, as he is now nominated for three Juno awards, a year after he performed his hit song “We Were Here” in the same building and plans to continue inspiring Indigenous youth in Winnipeg when he performs here in March.

From growing up in Kaministiquia, Ontario, Aysanabee’s career took off after submitting a performance video to the International Indigenous Music Summit, leading to him being signed by Ishkōdé Records in 2021 leading to a Juno Award nominee for Contemporary Indigenous Artist of the Year in 2023, while also getting to perform on stage.

Now just one year later he is up for three Juno nominations including Songwriter of the Year, Contemporary Indigenous Artist or Group of the Year, and Alternative Album of the Year, which he says is an honor, and hopes those who look up to him can see anything is possible.

“So when the one came in I was like oh my god this is it that’s amazing, but then another one came in, and another one came in,” explained Aysanabee

“It’s awesome people are seeing me and feeling like they can do it because I didn’t really see that growing up, so I can’t put myself in those shoes, but the fact I can be one of those people is amazing.”

Recording Artist Desiree Dorion is a member of the Indigenous Music Development Program Steering Committee and has won awards across Canada, including a Junos nomination of her own in 2014. 

She says while Indigenous artists are starting to see more recognition, it would not have happened without the organizations that lay the groundwork, saying that change is being seen right here in Winnipeg with the Indigenous Music Development Program at Manitoba Music, as they support First Nation, Métis, and Inuit artists and music companies as they build sustainable careers in Manitoba’s music industry.

“When we see folks like Aysanabee, William Prince, or Don Amero, these artists that are literally on some of the biggest stages in the country, we have to take a moment to just pause and celebrate that because it’s huge,” explained Dorion.

“Particularly under the leadership of Alan Grayeyes, he was instrumental in prioritizing export and prioritizing artist development so we could really learn the business end of things and get taken advantage of.”

As for Winnipeg, both artists will soon be performing here, as Dorion will take centre stage at Festival du Voyageur on Monday, and Aysanabee will be performing on March 3^rd at The Park Theatre, which he says is extra special as it will involve his reserve of Sandy Lake First Nation.

“I got to know a lot of the chief and council and they’re actually going to be bringing ten of the students down to the show,” said Aysanabee.