Aboriginal musicians make their mark at 2014 Juno Awards

Five very different yet equally impressive artists popped up on the Juno radar last month and will shape the future of Aboriginal Juno history once again.

Desiree Dorion

Desiree Dorion is a Manitoba born Mtis voice whose contributions to her home province not only include two major albums; shes also a very accomplished lawyer, music workshop instructor and a soon to be mother of two.

Small Town Stories carries her heartfelt and devoted musical donation to country music; in fact its safe to say that Desiree Dorion IS country.

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Nathan Cunningham

Also in that category but just a couple provinces away is Nathan Cunningham from Alberta. This guy hasserious pipes.Not only does he bleed that honest and straight up legitimate country music life, hes got a history of wonderful collaborations that include hip hop and rock.

Check out his Road Renditions album, it won multiple Aboriginal Peoples Choice Music Awards last summer. Hes been a part of the hip hop group Smashville and is currently featured on a great tune called Money with his buddy Rellik. Hes also got a new album in the works, Highway Reclamation: another ode to life on the road as a singing road soul.

Inez

Inez Jasper is one of the proudest members of the Sto:lo Nation near Chilliwack, BC. Heres an example of someone taking whats been passed on through their blood over the generations and delivering it in a fresh and respectful way. Burn Me Down might be what you call dance, and at the end of the day thats what the indigenous were made to do.

Dancing would lead to trouble once upon a time for us indigenous peoples here in Canada, thanks to the potlatch ban the Government of Canada passed in 1885. Inez sings about this very time in a tune called Dancin on the Run.

Amanda Rheaume

Ottawas Amanda Rheaume has roots in Manitobas north and the NWT near the Hudson Bay.Her latest album Keep a Fire is homage to the legacy she possesses and continues to share with music lovers.

George Leach

One of the heavy hitters of this category this year is without a doubt Lillooet, B.C.s George Leach.The first time I ever saw him live was at an outdoor show in Winnipeg during the summer.I was truly blown away not only by his intense stage presence but by his determination and will to rock, and how hard he did it. It began pouring rain half way though and it just added to the full tilt rock and roll energy he was blasting us with.

George Leach is a nonstop celebration of music; you must experience his Surrender album before you die.

To have these five artists represent such a vast and dynamic pool of musicians across Canada is remarkable.

On March 30when we are celebrating the accomplishments of our musical leaders its the above mentioned who will be remembered for holding down a category that still hasnt been broadcast live during the show yet is still one of the most important ever.