Guitarist taken out of Indigenous award contention
HALIFAX — A Nova Scotia-based musician has been removed from consideration for Indigenous artist of the year at the East Coast Music Awards after questions were raised surrounding his claims to Métis heritage.
The chairman of the East Coast Music Association’s board of directors said the nomination of Cape Breton guitarist Maxim Cormier, who identifies as being of Acadian and Métis heritage, has been withdrawn. Dean Stairs said Cormier belongs to the Highlands Métis Nation Association, whose claims to Aboriginal heritage have not been recognized under Canadian law.
Stairs called the situation “regrettable” and said the decision, announced late last week, was made in consultation with government officials and community stakeholders.
The board does not question how someone self-identifies, but has to ensure that all nominees meet the “true intent” of the category’s criteria out of respect for Atlantic Canada’s Indigenous Peoples, Stairs said.
The committee that oversees the nominations process will review and clarify the criteria for the Indigenous artist of the year category, Stairs said.
Representatives for Cormier and the East Coast Music Association could not be reached for comment.
The East Coast Music Awards, a five-day celebration of music showcasing hundreds of Atlantic artists, takes place in Halifax in May.