WARNING: This story contains details some readers may find distressing.
Singer-songwriter Buffy Sainte-Marie opened 50th annual Juno Awards on Sunday by asking for compassion following the recent announcement by the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc First Nation that preliminary findings from a survey conducted by a specialist in ground-penetrating radar indicated the remains of what could be 215 children buried on the site of a former residential school in Kamloops, B.C.
“It’s shocking to some people and a revelation. But it’s not news to Indigenous people,” she said.
Sunday’s broadcast wrapped up a week of events, including opening night on Friday where the Junos gave out 37 awards, including Rap Recording of the Year, Rock Album of the Year and more.
Early winners announced Sunday included Savannah Ré, who won Traditional R&B/Soul Recording Of The Year for Solid, while The Weeknd was named Artist of the Year.
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The night kicked off with performance of Somebody by Justin Bieber and also featured a tribute to 30 years of hip hop in Canada with a performance by Maestro Fresh Wes, NAV, Kardinall Offishall and more.
The show also included Jann Arden’s induction into the Canadian Music Hall.
“I think I’m too young,” Arden said. “Grateful to everyone who has helped me over the years and those who didn’t help me because they helped me become more persistent.”
The awards will be broadcast on CBC TV, CBC Gem, CBC Radio One and will stream globally at 8 pm ET/5 pm PT on CBCMusic.ca/junos.
CBC News will be updating all winners throughout the evening. A full list of winners from opening night can be found here.
- Traditional R&B/Soul Recording Of The Year — Solid, Savannah Ré.
- Artist of the Year — The Weeknd.
- Breakthrough Artist of the Year — JP Saxe.
- Pop Album of the Year
- Album of the Year
- Juno Fan Choice
Support is available for anyone affected by their experience at residential schools and those who are triggered by the latest reports.
A national Indian Residential School Crisis Line has been set up to provide support for former students and those affected. People can access emotional and crisis referral services by calling the 24-hour national crisis line: 1-866-925-4419.