Congratulations are in order for Chelsey June and Jaaji of Twin Flames for their wins this past weekend at the Canadian Folk Music Awards in Charlottetown PE!
The pair took home the award for Indigenous Songwriter (s) of the Year for their album OMEN.
"The importance of writing in my mother tongue is that I am paying homage to my people who once were condemned if they spoke inuttitut in school, beaten in fact. That was the reality of residential schools. We know all too well the many even today who feel shameful to speak their Indigenous language and unfortunately, that is how language is lost. By writing in inuttitut, I ensure that my language remains alive. I stand proud for my people and create music that hopefully leaves people intrigued" - Jaaji
Twin Flames also won Vocal Group of the Year. This is a particularly sweet victory for Twin Flames as it marks their first win in a non-Indigenous category. As Chelsey put it on a facebook post following the ceremony: "Tonight with my wonderful husband we took home the award for Vocal Group of the year. This is the first award we have won in a non-Indigenous category. To Jaaji and I this means so much. We are starting to see that things in this industry can change and that BIPOC artists do not have to be kept in certain boxes."
We are so proud and honoured to represent Twin Flames and look forward to many more exciting developments ahead!