Juno nominations for northern musicians

Musicians from each of Canada's northern territories have been nominated for this year's Juno Awards.

Northwest Territories singer-guitarist Jesse James Gon, also known as Digawolf, received an aboriginal album of the year nomination for his fourth release, Distant Morning Star.

Gon, who won a Canadian Aboriginal Music Award in 2005 for his album Earth is Crying, told CBC News that his latest work reflects his efforts to be as honest with himself as he could.

He said he hopes the Juno nod will send a positive message to other musicians and to those who have supported him over the years.

"It's basically to never give up on your dreams, your goal, your music. If you're a musician, hang in there and just keep playing," Gon said Wednesday.

Song inspires campaign

Also nominated for best aboriginal album is Nunavut-raised alternative rocker Lucie Idlout for her second album, Swagger.

Swagger includes the track "Lovely Irene," in which Idlout tells the story of a friend who experienced domestic abuse.

The tune was discovered by Iqaluit Mayor Elisapee Sheutiapik, who launched a campaign to rename the street where the women's shelter was located as "Angel Street" in reference to the song's lyrics.

Sheutiapik has since been encouraging other Canadian cities to adopt a similar street name in tribute to victims of violence.

Idlout and Gon are up against Digging Roots, Inez and Wayne Lavallee in the aboriginal album category.

Juno nod 'all the gravy that we need'

Meanwhile, northern roots quartet Annie Lou have a Juno nomination in the best roots and traditional album (group) category for its self-titled release.

The band consists of Yukon singer-songwriters Anne Louise Genest and Kim Barlow, along with Alaskan bassist Lindy Jones and Vancouver fiddler Meredith Bates.

Genest said she's not sure if all four band members can make it to St. John's for the Juno ceremony, but they are thrilled all the same about their nomination.

"The nomination is just great and that's all the gravy that we need. You know, there's other great bands in there as well, and we're just really excited to be in such great company," she said.

"You have an acknowledgement from your peers about the work that you're doing, and it's a real vote of confidence, and that makes us feel pretty good."

Annie Lou joins The Good Lovelies, Great Lake Swimmers, Madison Violet, and Carolyn Mark and NQ Arbuckle in the roots and traditional category.

The Juno Awards are in St. John's on April 18.