The Indspire Awards will broadcast nationwide on Sunday, June 24 at 8 p.m. (8:30 p.m. NT) on CBC, and APTN (Aboriginal Peoples Television Network, including CBC radio.
This year’s ceremony is co-hosted by Darrell Dennis, award-winning comedian, actor, screenwriter and radio personality and Kyle Nobess, actor (Mohawk Girls) and international speaker. The show was taped in front of a live audience, including over 600 Indigenous youth, on March 23, 2018 in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
The show features performances by 2018 Juno-nominated, Indian City led by Vince Fontaine, 2018 Juno-nominated Sanikiluaq singer and songwriter, Kelly Fraser, dancer/choreographer, Santee Smith, Genie Award-winner for Best Achievement in Music, Jennifer Kreisberg, and classically trained Canadian cellist, Cris Derksen together with members of the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra. 2005 Juno-nominated Asham Stompers, and 13-year old twin fiddler brothers Double the Trouble accompanied by 20-year old, Gustin Adjun join the final performance.
Roberta Jamieson, President and CEO of Indspire and Executive Producer of the Indspire Awards says between the performances and the award recipients, the Awards is a magnificent evening of celebration of Indigenous talent in Canada.
“In this era of reconciliation, it is fitting that we honour the contributions and role of Indigenous peoples and look forward to the future we are building together. By recognizing the journeys and accomplishments of these remarkable First Nations, Inuit, and Métis visionaries, activists, and role models, who have – with passion, courage and tenacity – converted their gifts, energies and determination into achievement, we inspire our young people to achieve their dreams and we show all Canadians that our people continue to be an important part of the future of our country.”
The 2018 Indspire Awards honour the following thirteen First Nations, Inuit, and Métis individuals from across the country:
Lifetime Achievement: Dr. Gloria Cranmer Webster, ‘Namgis First Nation, BC
Arts: Greg Hill, Kanyen’kehaka at Six Nations of the Grand River Territory, ON
Business & Commerce: Nicole Bourque-Bouchier, Mikisew Cree First Nation, AB
Culture, Heritage & Spirituality: Kye7e Cecilia Dick DeRose, Secwepemc Nation, BC
Culture, Heritage & Spirituality: Theland Kicknosway, Walpole Island Bkejwanong Territory, ON
Education: Dr. Lorna Wanosts’a7 Williams, Lil’wat Nation, BC
Health: Dr. Evelyn Voyageur, Musgamagw Dzawada’enuxw, BC
Law & Justice: Paul Chartrand, Métis, St. Laurent, MB
Public Service: Dr. Mike DeGagné, Animakee Wa Zhing #37, ON
Sports: Michael Linklater, Thunderchild First Nation, SK
Youth – First Nation: Ashley Callingbull, Enoch Cree Nation, AB
Youth – Inuit: Dr. Donna May Kimmaliardjuk, Igluligaarjuk, NU
Youth – Métis: Tracie Léost, Métis, St. Laurent, MB
The Indspire Awards represent the highest honour the Indigenous community bestows upon its own people. After 25 years, the Indspire Awards have recognized 350 Indigenous professionals and youth who demonstrate outstanding achievement. Their stories serve to inspire our youth and educate all Canadians about the impact that First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people are making across the country. Each year, the recipients are selected by a jury composed of previous award recipients from across Canada. Recipients are honoured at a ceremony, which is later televised nationally.
