Xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), Vancouver, BC – Destination Indigenous (part of the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada) is proud to have sponsored the JUNO Awards category — Contemporary Indigenous Artist or Group of the Year Award — at the 2025 JUNO Awards held in Vancouver on Saturday, March 29, 2025. 

Before the JUNO Awards, Destination Indigenous also presented a sold-out Indigenous Honouring Ceremony at the Vancouver Playhouse. Moreover, Keith Henry,  president and CEO at the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada, delivered a keynote address highlighting ITAC’s dedication to fostering Indigenous voices in Canada.

ITAC Creative Manager Zane Buchanan presented Sebastian Gaskin with the contemporary Indigenous artist/group of the year category for his song ‘Brown Man’ at the awards. Destination Indigenous congratulates all other nominees in this award category: Celeigh Cardinal, Boundless Possibilities; Snotty Nose Rez Kids, Red Future; Adrian Sutherland, Precious Diamonds; and Tia Wood, Pretty Red Bird for their notable albums. 

“Destination Indigenous was proud to host a special JUNO Honouring Ceremony and sponsor the contemporary Indigenous artist/group of the year category,” said Keith Henry, President & CEO of the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada. “This partnership reflects our commitment to celebrating and uplifting Indigenous artists, whose talent and creativity continue to inspire audiences across Canada and beyond. Music is a powerful way to share our stories and culture, and we are honoured to support this recognition of excellence in Indigenous music.” 

Congratulations to all nominees, including:

  • Elisapie for adult alternative album of the year for Inuktitut;
  • Snotty Nose Rez Kids for rap album/EP of the year for Red Future; 
  • Deantha Edmonds for classical composition of the year for Angmalukisaa; and 
  • Black Bear Singers for traditional Indigenous artist or group of the year for New Comings!

This year, 67 Indigenous award nominees were in the running across all categories.