Artist highlights: Inez Jasper was born and raised in Chilliwack, British Columbia. She is of Stó꞉lō, Ojibway and Métis heritage. She is the daughter of Mark Point, a former Skowkale First Nation chief, and the niece of Steven Point, a former Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia
She was educated as a registered nurse, and works as a community health nurse for Stolo Nation Health Services. She has two children, and in 2010 her husband Otis Jasper served as the chief of Soowahlie First Nation.
She released her debut single "Sto:lo Strong" in 2005, before releasing the full-length album SingSoulGirl in January 2009. She toured extensively to support the album, and won awards at both the Aboriginal Peoples Choice Music Awards and the Western Canadian Music Awards. At the APCMAs, "Breathe" won Single of the Year, SingSoulGirl won Pop Album of the Year, and Jasper won Best New Artist.
She subsequently released two non-album singles, "Make U Mine" in 2011 and "Dancin' on the Run" in 2013, before releasing her second album Burn Me Down in August 2013. The album again won the award for Pop Album of the Year at the APCMAs, and was again a Juno Award nominee for Aboriginal Album of the Year. Jasper was also named Best Producer/Engineer at the APCMAs in 2014.
She was named a National Aboriginal Role Model by the National Aboriginal Health Organization in 2008
Originally released on 07-19-2019
- KBOO