HALIFAX—A Métis chief is calling for the reversal of the East Coast Music Association’s decision to pull a Nova Scotia nominee from consideration for an Indigenous artist award amid questions about his heritage. Cape Breton guitarist Maxim Cormier, who identifies as being of Acadian and Métis heritage, has been withdrawn from the Indigenous artist of the year category. Karole Dumont, chief of the Council of the First Métis People of Canada, said there is no question that Cormier is Indigenous, and to suggest otherwise in an affront to Métis identity. A spokesperson for East Coast Music Association declined to provide further comment. “We need to be proud of the achievements of our people and for somebody to come in and they’re not part of the Indigenous community, that leaves us without those role models,” she said.

Source: thestar March 13, 2018 23:37 UTC