Local Indigenous artists who inspire nominated for awards

When the inaugural Summer Solstice Indigenous Music Awards (SSIMAs)are handed out on Saturday night, some of the most significant accolades won't be for record sales or radio playthey'll be given to those who help to lift up theIndigenous community, even in the darkest times.

The SSIMAscelebrate the art of First Nations, Inuit and Mtismusiciansfrom across the country, but organizers say they also want to recognize the vital role theartistsplay by using their platform to raise important issues and protest injustices.

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Ottawa hip-hop artistCody Coyoteand rapperJah'kotaarenominatednot just for their music, but for their social activism and youth mentorship.

Coyote is in the runningfor best radio single of the year, but is also being recognized in the youth and leadership category.

Jah'kotaearned a nodfor the social voice awardfor raisingawareness about Indigenous issues throughmusic and social media.

Both arealready multi-award-winning artists, but being singled out for their social commitment meanssomething special, especially in light of the horrific discovery of the remains of 215 children buried in unmarked graves at a formerresidential school in Kamloops, B.C.

"It's never been about me, it's always been about my community," said Coyote."It's always been about Indigenous folks and really advocating for our future generations."

Coyote's music and videos deal head-on with the bullying and racism he endured in his youth, which led him on a self-destructive pathuntil he began reconnecting with his roots and understanding the horrors his families had suffered underthe residential school system.

• Cody Coyote visits the former residential school his family was forced to attend

His nominated trackManidoo Dewe'igan, Ojibway for"Spirit Drum," is a proclamation of thepower and confidence he's gained by reclaiminghisidentity.

As an artist with a strong social media following, Coyote said he now feels compelled to spread a message of resiliencetoIndigenous youth.

"I have a responsibility being in the position I'm in," said Coyote."I think it's important to use that influence."

When he's not creating music, Coyote is a motivational speaker and mentor, leading youth workshops in songwriting, anti-bullying and the healing power of art.

"For me, a leader is somebody who ... is helping out the most vulnerable people in the community, as opposed to disregarding them," he said.

"Hopefully, by the time I'm done here inthis physical world, I want to be able to pass on the gift of empowering them to use their voices. "

Jah'kota, a.k.a Justin Holness, is an Afro-Indigenous rapper with roots in both Jamaica and the Ocean Man First Nation in Saskatchewan. He's also a businessman and entrepreneur who recently founded Tribe Music, a profit-sharing streaming platform featuringBlack and Indigenous musicians.

"I think it's a huge honour to be recognized, especially as a rapper," he said. "To be able toshare my truth, tell my story, and to be recognized in the social voice [category] is a huge honour."

Like Coyote,Jah'kotavisitshigh schools and communities to engage young people in discussions about racism and Indigenous issues. Employing music, video and audience involvement,Jah'kota saidhe wants to bring the uplifting messages that Indigenous youth needto hear.

"We're resilient, we're strong, we're proud, we're healthy. We're raising healthy families. We're authors, entrepreneurs, artists," he said. "I think if there's any message I can leave out to the world, is to remind everybody that we are still here."

I hope that my music can help people wake up

3 years ago

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Ottawa hip-hop artist Cody Coyote has been nominated for Summer Solstice Indigenous Music Awards not just for music, but for social activism and community leadership.

Other Ottawa artists up for awards at this weekend's ceremony includehusband and wife teamTwin Flames,nominated for artist of the year and three other awards.

Throat-singing trio Silla and Rise are up for Inuit group/artist of the year and artistic video of the year.

Ottawa-Gatineau duo Okarareceived a nod in the music in the arts category.

The Summer Solstice Indigenous Music Awards will be streamed on the festival's YouTube Channel at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday.