Artists from Manitoba Earn Summer Solstice Indigenous Music Awards

The Summer Solstice Indigenous Music Awards (SSIMAs) have announced this year's nominees and artists from Manitoba have earned honours in several categories. 

Folk/pop outfit Indian City is a double nominee this year, earning nods for Pop/Alternative/Rock Album of the Year for Code Red and Radio Single of the Year for "Wannabe". 

Crooner Jerry Sereda is up for Country Album of the Year for his latest, Classic Country Couple.

Singer/songwriter Brandi Vezina has been nominated for Metis Artist/Group of the Year.

Hip hop artist Stun has picked up the Rising Star nomination.

The SSIMAs take place in conjunction with the Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival (SSIF). Established in Ottawa in 1996, the SSIF is a multi-disciplinary arts festival that brings together Indigenous artists, performers, educators, students, and community members to share knowledge and celebrate Canada’s diverse Indigenous cultures. Summer Solstice Festivals are produced by Indigenous Experiences on behalf of the National Indigenous Peoples Day Committee (NIPD). An Artist Advisory Committee made up of Canadian Indigenous music leaders was created to collaborate with and provide direction on The SSIMAs. 

"It’s time to celebrate Indigenous voices! These Awards provide an excellent platform for artists to be recognized for their hard work. Ottawa being the nation’s capital is a great portal to the world to share the surging wave of Indigenous expression," said Advisory Committee members Vince Fontaine and Elaine Bomberry in a media release announcing the nominees.

Winners will be announced at a special ceremony streamed live from the National Arts Centre on Ottawa on June 6. 

Find out more about the SSIMAs at summersolsticefestivals.ca/2023-music-awards.