Categories & Submission Criteria
This category recognizes and shares the talent and potential of a rising and emerging solo artist or group who has yet to reach a large audience with their art. This category is open to all age groups. No self nomination for this category. Please submit the SSIMA Special Nomination Form to recognize an artist /group who is deserving of this award.
This category recognizes an influential artist/group who mentors Indigenous youth through music. Their message shares knowledge of artistic and cultural values and inspires cultural growth and wisdom. No self nomination for this category. Please submit the SSIMA Special Nomination Form to recognize an artist /group who is deserving of this award.
This category recognizes an artist who raises awareness of social and relevant issues for and/or environmental issues and inspires change through positive messages in music. For example – an artist whose message highlights MMIWG, Climate, Housing conditions, Languages, LBGTQ2S+. Please submit a copy of the lyrics with a song submission.
This category celebrates creative artistic values and expression through video. Both self-produced and professionally produced videos made available to the public will be eligible. You will need to attach your video to the registration form along with a word document including a brief outline of the videos production details, including the name(s) of the producers and details of where the video was produced. This award will go to the director, producer, or filmmaker of the video.
This category recognizes music showcased as an accompaniment to an art; theatre, exhibit, film, TV, performances, literature, video games. The award will go to the artist who released the music.
This category recognizes a song single which has been released to commercial radio and celebrates music and artistic excellence. The song will have had recognition by industry, peers and the public with an exceptional impact in its release.
This category recognizes artists in the folk, roots and blues genres, who are creating music in either of these genres with traditional or contemporary instruments.
This category recognizes artists who have released an album in the country genre.
This category recognizes artists who have released an album in the rap / hip hop / electronica genre.
This category recognizes the success in capturing cultural heritage and the love of traditional music and dance with the use of hand drums / fiddle / instruments.
This category recognizes Inuit artists who use traditional languages, instruments or cultural influences in their music.
This category recognizes an album which captures the sounds and emotions of the Pow Wow.
Celebrating pop, alternative and rock music in all genre styles; including a fusion of traditional and contemporary music expression.
This category recognizes artists who have had an exceptional year supporting their latest release and have released a prominent full length album in any genre.
This award recognizes artists who have impacted artistic and cultural heritage on behalf of the Indigenous community. Their contributions helped to influence and grow continued development in the Indigenous music industry. The winner of this category will be selected this year by the artistic advisory circle, however, will be open to nomination in the following years.
This award highlights a career performance which crossed boundaries, ignited emotional responses and reached large audiences. All genres of music, live performances and live recorded performances are eligible.
This category recognizes Metis artists who use traditional languages, instruments or cultural influences in their music.
Nomination forms and all supporting documentation must be submitted by April 1st, 2021.
For SSIMA eligibility, dates of releases, performances and recordings must be between January 1, 2019 and March 1, 2020.
SSIMA submissions are open to Indigenous ensembles, solo artists, duos or groups from across Canada.
To be eligible for SSIMA at least 50 percent of group members must identify as Indigenous. Proof of ancestry may be required (if new to the Indigenous music industry). Such proof may include a status card, Metis card or a letter of confirmation from a community leader/elder. Solo artists may also be asked to confirm their Indigenous status.
In order to adjudicate a category, a minimum of 3 submissions must be received for that category.
There is no limit as to the number of categories for which one artist/group may submit. Only one category per artist/group for each eligible submission. Each nomination must be submitted separately, if applying for more than one category.
Albums must contain more than 50 percent original content.
Albums must have a minimum run time of previously unreleased music of 25 minutes and/or 6 tracks.
There is no fee to submit a nomination.
Ineligibility and disqualification – recordings or submission will be deemed ineligible if they do not meet the eligibility and or can be disqualified as a result of a breach of the code of conduct.1st
Artists, guests and their Industry representatives are required to be professional and respectful to SSIMA, SSIMA Advisory Committee, Judges and the SSIMA guests, partners, sponsors and all associates.
SSIMA encourages an environment of inclusiveness and mindfulness of all social and political backgrounds/views, gender diversity and fairness that exists within our community. All participants, nominees and staff of SSIMA will be respectful, will uphold appropriate behaviour and not participate in lateral violence. Any violation of the code of conduct will result in immediate removal from the nomination process and/or live event.
It is essential that our diverse Indigenous cultures are protected for future generations and music is an integral part of our culture and traditions. All music submissions to the SSIMA that share a cultural element should be produced and performed in a way that is authentic to the community it represents. With the diversity of Indigenous cultures across Canada, it is impossible to define universally what is authentic and appropriate to share. SSIMA supports the authority of each community to determine their own cultural protocols and boundaries, and recognizes all of the diverse values and beliefs of our First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples.
Ineligibility and disqualification: recordings or submission will be deemed ineligible if they do not meet the eligibility criteria and / or due to breach of ethics / misconduct and / or cultural appropriation.
To be eligible for the best album categories, over 50 percent of the album must fit the genre of the category.
*Rising Star and Youth Leadership in music will be nominated by individuals outside of the artist/group.
Voting procedure; Voting will be conducted by our invited panel of jurors which includes Indigenous and music industry professionals and peers. There will be no public voting.