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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

2009 WESTERN CANADIAN MUSIC AWARDS
LIST OF NOMINEES

(Brandon, MB - July 14, 2009) The Western Canadian Music Alliance is pleased to announce its nominees for the 2009 Western Canadian Music Awards.

ARTISTIC AWARD NOMINEES

Aboriginal Recording of the Year
Eagle and Hawk – Sirensong (MB)
Inez – Singsoulgirl (BC)
Team Rezofficial - The World (And Everything In It) (AB)
Tanya Tagaq – Auk (NWT)
Billy Joe Green - First Law of the Land - "If Broken Return To Maker" (MB)

Blues Recording of the Year
The Twisters - Come Out Swingin' (BC)
Big Dave McLean - Acoustic Blues-Got 'Em From the Bottom (MB)
John Lee Sanders - Bucket Full of Blues (BC)
Amos Garrett - Get Way Back - A Tribute to Percy Mayfield (AB)
Agnostic Mountain Gospel Choir - Ten Thousand (AB)

Children's Recording of the Year
Bobs and Lolo - Action Packed (BC)
Will Stroet - My Backyard (BC)
Alphabet Soup - You're It! (MB)
LuLu et le Matou - Faites de la Musique! (MB)
LuLu and the TomCat - Fossil Rock (MB)

Christian Recording of the Year
Corey Doak - No Sudden Movements (BC)
Tripmeter - The End of Everything We Are (SK)
Sandon - Freedom's Last Lost Mile (SK)
Tuesday Bloom - Tuesday Bloom (MB)
Steve Bell - Devotion (MB)

Classical Composition of the Year
Sid Robinovitch –Rodas Recordada (MB)
T. Patrick Carrabre - A Hammer For Your Thoughts (MB)
Alain Perron - Northern Highlights I: Soir d'hiver (SK)
Gareth L. Cook - A Miner's Song (SK)
Piotr Grella-Mozejko - The Secret Garden String Quartet No 2 (AB)
Jeffrey Ryan - String Quartet No. 3 "sonata distorta" (BC)

Classical Recording of the Year
Stephen Chatman - Due East (BC)
Alexander Tselyakov - Sonata Album (MB)
Trio Accord - Goldberg Variations (BC)
Windrose Trio - Path Of Contact (AB)
Sarah Hagen - Glass House Dancing (BC)
Sid Robinovitch – Sefarad (MB)

Country Recording of the Year
Doc Walker - Beautiful Life (MB)
The Higgins - Real Thing (BC)
Aaron Pritchett – Thankful (BC)
The Road Hammers - The Road Hammers II (AB)
George Canyon - What I Do (BC+AB)

Francophone Recording of the Year
Daniel ROA - Le nombirl du monde (MB)
Saint-Pierre – 42 (BC)
Joel Lavoie - La récolte (AB)
Quest – Hybride (AB)
Francois Tremblay - Prophete de Malheur (SK)

Independent Album of the Year
The Waking Eyes - Holding On To Whatever It Is (MB)
Shout Out Out Out Out - Reintegration Time (AB)
Hot Panda - Volcano… Bloody Volcano (AB)
Library Voices - Hunting Ghosts (and other collected shorts) (SK)
the Sheepdogs - The Sheepdogs' Big Stand (SK)

Instrumental Recording of the Year
The Marc Atkinson Trio - The Marc Atkinson Trio IV (BC)
Steve Dawson - Telescope (BC)
Don Alder - Not A Planet (BC)
Joel Fafard - Three Hens Escape Oblivion (BC)
UCalgary String Quartet - Far Behind I Left My Country (AB)

Jazz Recording of the Year
Rubim de Toledo - The River (AB)
Jerrold Dubyk - The Maverick (AB)
The October Trio - Looks Like It's Going To Snow (BC)
Mark Dejong - The Unknown (SK)
The Brenan Brothers - The Throw Down (AB)
The Peggy Lee Band - New Code (BC)

Pop Recording of the Year
Marianas Trench - Masterpiece Theatre (BC)
Hey Ocean - It's Easier to be Somebody Else (BC)
The Awkward Stage - Slimming Mirrors, Flattering Lights (BC)
JP Hoe -The Dear John Letters (MB)
Carly Rae Jepsen - Tug Of War (BC)
Record of the Week Club - Record of the Week Club (MB)

Rap and Hip Hop Album
Moka Only - Carrots and Eggs (BC)
Grand Analog - Touch Your Toes (MB)
Sweatshop Union - Water Street (BC)
Dragon Fli Empire – Redefine (AB)
The Mavericks Team - Election Year (AB)

Rock Recording of the Year
The Waking Eyes - Holding On To Whatever It Is (MB)
Theory of a Deadman - Scars and Souvenirs (BC)
Chad VanGaalen - Soft Airplane (AB)
54-40 - Northern Soul (BC)
The Pack A.D. - Funeral Mix Tape (BC)

Roots Duo/Group Recording of the Year
Chic Gamine - Chic Gamine (MB)
The Deep Dark Woods - Winter Hours (SK)
The Duhks - Fast Paced world (MB)
Scott Nolan - Receiver/Reflector (MB)
Oh My Darling - Oh My Darling (MB)

Roots Solo Recording of the Year
Steve Dawson - Waiting For The Lights To Come Up (BC)
Dan Mangan – Roboteering (BC)
Romi Mayes - Achin In Yer Bones (MB)
Geoff Berner - Klezmer Mongrels (BC)
Ndidi Onukwulu - The Contradictor (BC)


Songwriter of the Year
Romi Mayes - Achin In Yer Bones (MB)
The Duhks - Fast Paced World (MB)
Scott Nolan - Receiver/Reflector (MB)
Chad VanGaalen - Soft Airplane (AB)
JP Hoe - The Dear John Letters (MB)

Urban Recording of the Year
Krystle Dos Santos - Krystle Dos Santos (AB)
Souls In Rhythm – Funklore (AB)
Skavenjah - One More Night With You (SK)
Ishq Bector - DAKKU DADDY (MB)
Paramedic - Love, Doubt and Soul (AB)

World Recording of the Year
Delhi 2 Dublin - Delhi 2 Dublin (BC)
Fito Garcia - Mi bajo Rumbero (BC)
eclecTrip - …a musical journey (AB)
Kalabai - Hopaks and Baniaks (AB)
Tanya Tagaq – Auk (NWT)



INDUSTRY AWARD NOMINEES

Agency of the Year
Magnum Opus Management
Paquin Entertainment Group
PM Gigs Inc.
S.L. Feldman and Associates

Best Album Design
Derek Bachman for "One More Night with You Live" by Skavenjah
Jared Robinson for "Freedom’s Last Lost Mile" by Sandon
Laura Prpich for "A Field Guide to…" by the Lazy MKs
Mark Dutton for "Yellowhead to Yellowstone and Other Love Stories" by Ian Tyson
Michael Sanders for "Paperboy" by TRU-SERVA

Engineer of the Year
Barry Allen
Mike Petkau
Rob Smith
Shawn Pierce
Sheldon Zaharko

Independent Record Label of the Year
Arbor Records Ltd.
Black Hen Music
Chronograph Records Ltd.
Mint Records
Stony Plain Records

Live Music Venue of The Year
Amigos Cantina
Casino Regina Show Lounge
Horowitz Theatre
The Starlite Room
The Commodore Ballroom

Manager of the Year
Bruce Allen
Gilles Paquin
Glen Willows
Jason Smith
Terry McBride

Multi Media
Chad VanGaalen video: Molten Light
Fresh IE and Jayson Lapeyre video: Crystal PSA
Jolene Higgins video: In the Middle of Nowhere
Mitch Barany video: City of Noise
Gilles Paquin DVD: A Multi-Media Life; Buffy Sainte-Marie

Producer of the Year
Dave Genn and Neil Osborne
JJ Voss
Shawn Pierce, Chris Gestrin, Coco Love Alcorn
Steve Dawson
Vince Ditrich

Talent Buyer of the Year
Nhaelan McMillan - The Union Ltd.
Brent Oliver - Brent Oliver Presents and Keystone Entertainment
Harvey Cohen - The Union Ltd.
Chris Frayer – The Winnipeg Folk Festival
Terry Wickham – The Edmonton Folk Music Festival

Hall of Fame
Loreena McKennitt

Heritage Award
TBA

Industry Builder Award
Gilles Paquin - Paquin Entertainment Group

International Achievement
TBA





For more information, visit www.westerncanadianmusicawards.ca or contact:

2009 ISMA NOMINEES
Alternative Rock
Sirensong by Eagle and Hawk
The Looking Wolf Project by Jan Michael Looking Wolf
Blues
Broken Lands by Indigenous
Feel the Heat by Texas Meltdown
Pappy Johns lll - Having a Good Time Now by The Pappy Johns Blues Band
Classic Rock
Sirensong by Eagle and Hawk
Anywhere by Leanne Goose
Contemporary Instrumental
Sonoran Nights by Gabriel Ayala, William Clipman, Vince Redhouse
Tango! By Gabriel Ayala
Tribal Music Suite-Journey of a Paiute by Arvel Bird
First Light by Golana’
Sacred Place by Mary Youngblood
Country
Life Ain’t Hard by Ray St. Germain
Out of the Blue by Out of the Blue
Flute
Tate’ Topa Win by J.J. Kent
A Place Called Peace by Randy Granger
Diversity by Jan Michael Looking Wolf
MorningSky Drum Song by Jackie Tice
Sacred Place by Mary Youngblood
Folk
Random Thoughts by Clarence Clearwater
Blackfeet Legions of Glacier National Park by Jack Gladstone
The Sounds of Ribbons by Annie Humphrey-Jimenez
Bitter Tears - Sacred Grounds by Michael Bucher and Joanne Shenandoah
MorningSky Drum Song by Jackie Tice
Hip Hop
All Day - All Night by Rez Hogs
Wasted Talent by N8 featuring Rezhogs, Sean One R33cler
The World and Everything In It by Team Rezofficial
Tumivut by Tumivut
London Fog (Premonitions) By Zane
Native Spirit
Signs of Things to Come by Rae Denton and Paul Warren
Reflections by Mark Holland and Cory Edwards
Cross Roads: The Beginning of a Brand New Day by Jonny Lipford
Footsteps - Songs of the Journey by Harry Seavey
Memory of Time by Jan Seiden
Pop
Singsoulgirl by Inez
New Moon Born by Jana Moshonee
London Fog (Premeonitions) by Zane
Spiritual
Red Hand by Mark E. Church
Truth by Benjamin Grimes
Earth Gift by Kevin Locke
Seven Rabbits by Jan Michael Looking Wolf
Generation 2 Generation 3 by Gil Tyner, J. McClellan, Jane Tyner
Traditional Drum
Spo’Mo’Kin’Nan by Black Lodge
The Elk Dreamers by Elk Soldier
Red Rock by Nothern Cree
The Quiet Storm by Tha Tribe
For The Love by Thunder Hill
Traditional Vocal
For Our Future by Cherokee National Youth Choir
Sunrise Love - Happiness with Wifey Over Coffee by Eli Secody
Love, Lies and Lullabies by Sullivan and Day
Lenape Spirits by Windwalker Spirit Buffalo
Faith by Kevin Yazzie

INEZ SINGS SOULFUL SONGS OF PRIDE
Inez Jasper is a singer, songwriter, community health nurse, role model and a new mom — who's busy juggling competing demands.

And 2009 is turning out to be a big year in her burgeoning musical career.

"You have to invest a lot of time to get anywhere, so this has been an investment year for me," says the 28-year-old artist.

Inez just started working with a new manager, Ryan Moran of Yellow Tilt Productions. He's a musician, who shared the title of 2008 National Aboriginal Role Model with her last year.

"I feel like my career is starting to take off," she told the Progress.

With a clear and true singing voice, she describes her music as hip-hop and R&B, mixed with elements of traditional Sto:lo music.

Jasper grew up on the Skowkale reserve, née Point, but goes simply by the name Inez in the music biz.

"Having been born and raised in Sto:lo territory, I was always surrounded by Sto:lo culture and music as I was growing up.

"Our family was always involved in powwows and traditional gatherings. We played stick games for fun."

She appreciates the power of the traditional songs and rhythms that were all around her as a child, but she also became a big fan of pop music, R&B and hip hop.

"Hip hop gives voice to oppressed groups and it's a strong vehicle of expression. People think it only comes out of African-American experience, but it's a form that can also give voice to all kinds of issues."

The popular Inez track, Sto:lo Strong, off her album Singsoulgirl is currently #8 on the NCI-FM National Aboriginal Top 30 Countdown.

"It means that people are liking my music, which is great," she says.

The local artist is reaching out to all her "Sto:lo peeps" and further beyond, with her soul-stirring tune, Sto:lo Strong.

"It's not just Sto:lo connecting with the song. We're all one nation in Canada. I think people can identify with it, whether they're native or non-native. It's a song about identity and struggling daily to reach your goals.

"Hopefully it will translate into votes for the upcoming Aboriginal Peoples Choice Awards."

Inez describes her roots as Sto:lo, Ojibway and Metis.

"I think there's lots of opportunity in Indian country, and from coast to coast, to promote healthy and positive messages about aboriginal youth, as well as our music.

"There are so many negative images in the media that I think there more room for positive messages about what's happening in our communities."

Last year Inez was chosen as a National Aboriginal Role Model by the National Aboriginal Health Organization (NAHO) in Ottawa. While in Ottawa, she entered a talent contest and blew everyone away, walking away with the $10,000 award for first place. She sang, Breathe (featuring Magic Touch) who is Steven Pitawanakwat, from Manitoulin Island.

"I'm really excited about the prospect of the People's Choice awards this summer. I'm hoping to perform because the show is televised nationally."

She's also in the running for a National Aboriginal Achievement Award, and has applied for the Aboriginal People's Choice Awards, in the categories like best pop CD, and single of the year, for her song, Breathe.

It was a big step for her recently to take on new management.

"With a small family, I was finding it so difficult to manage myself," she says. "It gives me a chance to balance work and my personal life."

She's gearing up for a somewhat busy summer. Inez sang her heart out last month at the Seabird Island Annual First Nations Festival, and she's getting ready to fly off to Ottawa in time for National Aboriginal Day on June 21. She says she is just thrilled to be performing that night for the new crop of aboriginal youth role models at the Canadian Museum of Civilization.

But she admits she doesn't play too many live shows right now.

"The few gigs I do I want to make them meaningful, because my son travels with me," Inez adds.

She'll be back in town by the time the first round of online voting starts July 7 at www.aboriginalpeopleschoice.com.

jfeinberg@theprogress.com

INEZ CLIMBING UP THE CHARTS
Chilliwack singer-songwriter Inez Jasper--who now goes simply by Inez--hit the National Aboriginal Top 30 with her newest single "Sto:lo Strong" from her debut album Singsoulgirl released in December.

Singsoulgirl is packed with powerhouse lyrics that illustrate Inez's life influences, Aboriginal culture and musical gifts. "Sto:lo Strong" featuring Jason Burnstick on guitar caught the attention of NCI FM--an Aboriginal public service broadcaster based in Manitoba--where last week the song hit the 28 spot and this week it's up to 26.

Inez was also recently featured as the headline act for the "Native Rocks" show at the Pyramid Cabaret in Winnipeg. The show, hosted by CBC's Wab Kinew and NCI FM's Melissa Spence, was part of the 2009 National Aboriginal Achievement Awards events. The concert, which featured five Aboriginal artists, was recorded and broadcast on CBC Radio "The (204)."
Last year, Inez, who is a member of the Skowkale band and a community health nurse, was named one of 2008's National Aboriginal Role Models and was presented with the award by Governor General Michaelle Jean at Rideau Hall.

While in Ottawa, Inez entered a talent contest in which she won the $10,000 first place cash award. For the competition, Inez performed her song "Breathe" feat. Magic Touch which is featured on Singsoulgirl. Inez's soulful vocals are blended with beats that make you want to get up and move.

Inez recently returned from Gimli, Manitoba where she took part in AMP Camp, an Aboriginal Music professional development program presented by the Canada Council for the Arts and MARIA (Manitoba Audio Recording Industry Association).

"It was such a life changing experience," she said. "And I was happy to be able to attend with my son who was only one month old!"

Now back in Chilliwack, Inez continues to promote her album.

"I'm hoping that my music can reach across the nation. So far, things are looking great for the year ahead."

- Singsoulgirl is available at CD Plus Stores across Canada, CD Baby, iTunes, amazon.com, Sto:lo Nation Gift Shop and the Tzeachten Gas Bar.
© Chilliwack Times 2009

Aboriginal Chanteuse Presented Award by Governor General

For Inez Jasper of Chilliwack, B.C. June 21, 2008 was an unforgettable day. The 27 year-old singer and community health nurse began the day by receiving the National Aboriginal Role Model Program (NARMP) Award, presented to her by Governor General Michaelle Jean. Later that same day Jasper earned first place for her vocal performance in a talent show at the Summer Solstice Aboriginal Arts Festival.

Jasper, who was nominated by her peers for the NARMP Award, said she was overwhelmed by the entire experience. The timing of the award ceremony, which was held in Ottawa shortly after Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s residential schools apology, made the experience even more meaningful for Jasper, a member of the Skowkale First Nation.

“When Michaelle referred to the residential schools, it reminded me that the work I do as a community health nurse is significant,” she said. “I have family members and people in my community who were affected by residential schools so that made me realize the importance of working in the community to promote healthy lifestyles and healing.”

The NARMP, which is administered by the National Aboriginal Health Organization (NAHO) honours 12 outstanding aboriginal youth, aged 13 to 30, for their leadership in the community. The goal of the program is to create positive public images of Aboriginal Peoples and to promote aboriginal inspired leadership. Jasper was selected because of her leadership in the aboriginal community as a community health nurse and music artist.

“Some of the strong aspects about Inez are that she is focused on her education and giving back to the community. She is also musically talented and draws strength from her First Nations background for her music,” said NARMP Program Coordinator, Karen Kettler.

Jasper believes being a role model means honoring her ancestors and the traditions that have been passed down for countless generations. Through her music, the singer does her part to keep aboriginal traditions alive. She has already put the $10,000 award money she received from the talent contest towards the production of her first solo album to be released at the end of this summer.

Jasper, who writes and produces her own music, describes her sound as a “blend between hip hop and traditional Stó:lō music,” a fusion she hopes will inspire aboriginal youth to return to their First Nations culture.

“A lot of aboriginal children and youth identify with hip hop because true hip hop is a form of art and expression. It is a way of sharing messages with our people. I see how proud they are to be Native and I am proud to use my music to be a positive role model.”

Jasper’s music is strongly influenced by her personal experiences as a First Nations woman. “The women in my family have taught me to be proud of who I am, to hold my head up high,” she said. That sense of pride in her heritage manifests itself in her unique style of music.

That is not to say that discovering and embracing her own distinct genre of music was easy. “Identifying what I want to achieve, finding my own style and going down an unbeaten path has been difficult,” admitted Jasper.
Inez Jasper and Governor General
Inez Jasper and Governor
General Michaëlle Jean

Taking the ‘unbeaten path’ has lead the artist to write songs such as “Stick-Game Jam,” which features Phillip Lockerby singing a traditional stick game song he composed as the chorus. Like many other songs on Jasper’s upcoming album, “Stick-Game Jam” references Stó:lō culture within the context of a youthful hip-hop beat.

The album is also influenced by Jasper’s work relationships and experiences. “A lot of people think they are love songs, but many of my songs are inspired by my experiences working as an aboriginal nurse,” said the multi-talented Jasper, whose other hobbies include war canoe racing, running and sewing.

What is next for Inez Jasper? Now that she has reached her goal of several years of releasing a solo album, she hopes to start a family with husband of three years, Otis Jasper. The couple plans to build a home on their reservation in Chilliwack, B.C. Developing her nursing career is also a priority for Jasper, who is considering medical school.

Whatever paths she takes in the future, music will continue to be an important aspect of Jasper’s life. For Jasper, music is more than a form of expression, it also keeps her sane. “Writing and singing are good for my health,” she said. “Music is my self-care.”

Role model
Inez Jasper welcomes a change in attitude towards Aboriginals

Inez Jasper will never forget this year's National Aboriginal Day. The local Skowkale woman was honoured twice; for her work in First Nations communities and also for her musical talent.

Early in the day, Jasper received a national award for her commitment and contributions to community. Twelve young aboriginal Canadians, including Jasper, were named this year's National Aboriginal Role Models. Governor General Michaëlle Jean presented the awards at a ceremony held at Rideau Hall in Ottawa, June 21.

The award is a product of the National Aboriginal Role Model Program (NARMP), created by the National Aboriginal Health Organization (NAHO) and funded by Health Canada, to highlight the achievements of young First Nations people and to inspire aboriginal youth and educate non-aboriginal Canadians. The NAHO's primary function is to improve the health of First Nations people by making medical information more available.
Inez Jasper performs at a talent contest where she won top prize of $10,000.

"It's shining a brighter light on more positive stories in the aboriginal community because there tends to be more coverage on negative stories and the negative things that are happening," Jasper said.

Jasper is a registered nurse working in community health and home care, amongst a team of other healthcare workers, providing service to 11 First Nations bands within Sto:lo territory. Jasper also promotess health education and enjoys working with local aboriginal youth, inspiring them to pursue their goals. Two friends, also working to make a difference in aboriginal communities, nominated her for the award.

Jasper said she feels this year's awards have special significance due to the federal government's recent apology to Canada's First Nations in regards to the residential school system. She hopes more Canadians will take the initiative to learn more about First Nations peoples and their cultures.

"There's a change in the tides for how aboriginal people are perceived," Jasper said. "There's a newfound awareness of Canada's history with aboriginal people, some of the things that went wrong with native and non-native relations. I think there's some responsibility being held by the Canadian government to rectify some of the things that have been done and recognize aboriginal title and recognize how important it is to revitalize culture and language for our people."

After the ceremony, she won $10,000 in a talent contest while attending an arts festival celebrating National Aboriginal Day at Victoria Island in Ottawa.

But it wasn't a fluke. Jasper is also a vocalist and writes her own brand of R&B/hip hop music. "It's strongly influenced by my traditional native music," she said. "I'm influenced by the work I do as a community health nurse, by my life experience growing up as a young native woman and also by the experiences of the youths that I work with . . . the struggle of being an aboriginal person today, the triumphs and a newfound pride of sharing our culture."

Having knowledge of Jasper's musical endeavours prompted the NARMP's coordinator to contact her, suggesting she enter. Jasper had just finished a track, called Brave, for her upcoming album with Steven Prtawanakwit, an aboriginal beat-maker. Fresh from recording the song, they decided to perform it at the contest. The prize money will help Jasper finish her solo album Singsoulgirl, available online later this summer.


© Chilliwack Times 2008

OTTAWA, ON — The National Aboriginal Health Organization (NAHO) is proud to celebrate the announcement of 12 new national Aboriginal role models for 2008/2009. Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada will present the award to the 12 role models on June 21, 2008 at 10:30 a.m. at Rideau Hall in Ottawa, Ontario.


The role models will also be celebrated at the Summer Solstice Aboriginal Arts Festival in honour of National Aboriginal Day at Victoria Island, (Ottawa) Ontario. They will be reannounced at 6:00 p.m. on the Main Stage.

“Each of the Aboriginal Role Models being honoured today has a story of success,” says Dr. Paulette C. Tremblay, CEO of NAHO. “The National Aboriginal Role Model Program supported by Health Canada will provide these 12 role models with the opportunity to share their accomplishments and inspire First Nations, Inuit and Métis youth to pursue the life journey of their dreams.”

The role models—all Aboriginal youth between the ages of 13 and 30—are being recognized for their achievements and leadership.

The National Aboriginal Role Models for 20082009
are:

· John Carriere from Cumberland House, Saskatchewan.
· Robert Animikii Horton from Rainy River First Nations, Ontario.
· Inez Jasper from Chilliwack, British Columbia.
· Jenna Kilabuk, Pangnirtung, Nunavut.
· Kyle Kuptana from Inuvik, Northwest Territories.
· Channing Lavallée from St. Ambroise, Manitoba.
· Katelyn Matthew from Chase, British Columbia.
· Ry Moran from Victoria, British Columbia.
· Candace Polson, from Timiskaming First Nation, Quebec.
· Shaneen Robinson from Pimicikamak Cree Nation, Manitoba.
· Heather Watts from Six Nations of the Grand River, Ontario.
· Jennifer Williams from Happy Valley Goose Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador.

Supporting the National Aboriginal Role Model Program (NARMP) is National Spokesperson James Makokis from Saddle Lake Cree Nation, Alberta.

“First Nations, Inuit and Métis youth are choosing to lead healthy, active lives and succeeding in all areas, including the arts, humanities, commerce, politics, sports, science and technology,” said James Makokis, the National Spokesperson for the NARMP. “Role models are authentic individuals who are true to their identities. They give others the courage to push beyond their own potential, opening the door to new possibilities.”

The NAHO CEO, Dr. Paulette C. Tremblay and the 12 Aboriginal Role Models will be available to answer questions after the award ceremony at Rideau Hall and from 6:30 p.m. 7: 30 p.m. at the Summer Solstice Aboriginal Arts Festival in honour of National Aboriginal Day at Victoria Island, (Ottawa) Ontario.

The National Aboriginal Health Organization is an Aboriginal-designed and controlled body that works to influence and advance the health and well-being of Aboriginal Peoples through knowledge-based strategies.

Singing her way to Success:
A National Aboriginal Role Model of NAHO wins $10,000
in Aboriginal Day Talent Contest

Ottawa, ON – The National Aboriginal Health Organization (NAHO) is pleased to celebrate the
accomplishments of 27 year old Inez Jasper of Chilliwack, British Columbia. On the same day
she was announced as one of this year’s 12 National Aboriginal Role Models, a program
administered by NAHO, she also won a talent contest at the Summer Solstice Aboriginal Arts
Festival.

June 21, 2008 was a big day for Inez Jasper, whose morning began at an awards ceremony at
Rideau Hall in Ottawa where she was presented with the National Aboriginal Role Model
Program (NARMP) Award by Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor
General of Canada.
NAHO has been administering the NARMP, which is funded by Health Canada, since 2004.
NARMP celebrates the accomplishments of First Nations, Inuit and Métis youth aged 13 to 30.
Lead Your Way, the program’s theme, inspires Aboriginal youth to strive to reach their goals.
“Leading her way is exactly what Inez is doing,” says Dr. Paulette C. Tremblay, CEO of NAHO.
“This beautiful and talented young Aboriginal woman is one of the 12 youth ambassadors being
recognized for their achievements and leadership this year.”
After the awards ceremony at Rideau Hall, all of the Role Models and their friends and families
attended the Summer Solstice Aboriginal Arts Festival in honour of National Aboriginal Day at
Victoria Island, (Ottawa) Ontario where Inez took first place in the talent contest for her vocal
performance.

“This win means a lot for my family and me,” says Inez Jasper, whose parents were in the
audience. “The $10,000 award money is going to pay for the production and release of my solo
album.” This is a dream Inez has been working towards for many years.
Inez credits her inspiration to the young Aboriginal children who are just learning how to speak
“When they learn the lyrics to my songs it is very touching and motivates me to continue
pursuing music.”

She goes on to say, “A lot of Aboriginal children and youth identify with hip hop because true
hip hop is a form of art and expression. It is a way of sharing messages with our people. I see
how proud they are to be Native and I am proud to use my music to be a positive role model.”

Among this year’s role models is fellow musician Ry Moran from Victoria, British Columbia
who also performed in the talent contest. Ry shares Inez’s belief that the power of music can help
to shape the identity of Aboriginal children and youth today. He shares, “Music is extremely
powerful, it is an unstoppable force in my life. My songs contain positive messages and hope for
the future. My goal at a lyrical level is to convey the emotions I feel about our collective past as
Aboriginal Peoples."

All of the role models will be available throughout the year to attend celebrations, school
functions, workshops and conferences to share their stories with other Aboriginal youth. For
more information about the National Aboriginal Role Model Program, please visit www.naho.ca.

The National Aboriginal Health Organization is an Aboriginal-designed and -controlled body
that works to influence and advance the health and well-being of Aboriginal Peoples through
knowledge-based strategies.