Nunavut's Jerry Cans nominated for 2 Canadian Folk Music Awards

Northern musicians have secured five nominations in this year'sCanadian Folk Music Awards, with two going to Nunavut's The Jerry Cans.

The Jerry Cansare nominated in theAboriginal Songwriter of the Year category for theiralbumAakuluk.Other nominees in thecategory includeBuffySainte-Marie, Digging Roots, LauraVinsonand Free Spirit, and Yellowknife'sMirandaCurrie, forUp in the Air.

The Jerry Cans arealsonominated for the Oliver Schroer Pushing The Boundaries award, which celebratesinnovation in creating new folk sounds.The N.W.T.'sDana Siposis also nominated in that category forRoll Up the Night Sky.

Sarah MacDougall, who's originally from Sweden but lives in Whitehorse, is nominatedin theContemporary Singer of the Year category for her albumGrand Canyon.

The Jerry Cans, known for theirunique mix ofInuktitutalt-country, Inuit throat singing and reggae,previouslywon in the Aboriginal Songwriter of the Year category in 2013for their first album.

"Last time we were nominated for the Canadian Folk Music Awards I was in shock and I didn't expect it, and this time around it feels the same way," says Nancy Mike.

"I'm still a bit nervous and excited and not sure how to feel, but we're all super excited."

Mikesays this second album is personal.

"I feel very connected to it because it reminds me of my late father."

Lead singer Andrew Morrison says this time they'll be going to the awards ceremony.

"Two years ago, we had no illusions of us winning and we didn't go, unfortunately," Morrisonsays.

"Butthen we won and so there was this very awkward moment of them announcing our news and none of us were there, 'cause Nunavut's a long way away!"

The CanadianFolk Music Awards ceremony will be heldNov.8in Edmonton.