Inez Jasper [windspeaker confidential]

Windspeaker: What one quality do you most value in a friend?
Inez: Trustworthiness. It’s hard to come by these days, but I’ve been blessed with some good solid friends.

W: What is it that really makes you mad?
I.J.: Ignorance and racism. It makes my blood boil.

W: When are you at your happiest?
I.J.: It’s a toss up: Either when I’m getting a tickle attack from my son or rocking out onstage.

W: What one word best describes you when you are at your worst?
I.J.: Grumpy. I can’t lie. I can be a grumpy pants sometimes, but I’ve learned to see the silver lining.

W: What one person do you most admire and why?
I.J.: My mother. She’s hardworking and always makes time for everyone.

W: What is the most difficult thing you’ve ever had to do?
I.J.: The most difficult thing was the time I had to put on a happy face after hearing bad news from my home community while I was on the road. I wanted to curl up and cry but I knew that I had to keep moving and continue my journey. I had to make a positive out of a negative. That was a tough day.

W: What is your greatest accomplishment?
I.J.: My son. I have learned many lessons from him and he continues to be my most influential teacher to this day.

W: What one goal remains out of reach?
I.J.: I used to dream about being on TV and performing for thousands of cheering fans. It seemed like that dream was out of reach. Now that I’ve performed on live television that dream became a reality. Perhaps now, my crazy aspiration about crossing over into the mainstream music industry is not a goal that is out of reach. Hmmm.

W: If you couldn’t do what you’re doing today, what would you be doing?
I.J.: I would be starring in the Real Housewives of the Sto:lo Nation, running a youth group, children’s choir and making babies.

W: What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
I.J.: Don’t work harder; work smarter.

W: Did you take it?
I.J.: Yep!

W: How do you hope to be remembered?
I.J.: Inez Jasper. She helped to pave the way for Aboriginal entertainers to be recognized for their work and inspired many people to pursue a career as a nurse.

Inez is a Sto:lo singer/songwriter with powerhouse talent and universal appeal. As one of Canada’s top Aboriginal musicians, her blend of traditional Native sounds with a love for contemporary hip hop and R&B brings the best of her culture to the mainstream world.

Exploding onto the Canadian music scene in 2006 and releasing her hit album Singsoulgirl in 2008, this proud Sto:lo, Ojibway and Metis artist has been featured at myriad high profile events across the country, including 2009 Aboriginal People’s Choice Awards, 2009 Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards and 14 shows at the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver, not to mention feature spots on national television programs like Aboriginal Day Live! and The New Canoe. Despite all the attention, she maintains an endearing humility and commitment to inspiring youth.

This past year, Inez was recognized with three Canadian Aboriginal Music Award nominations, a Western Canadian Music Award nomination, a Juno nomination, and she took home four 2009 Aboriginal People’s Choice Awards! In 2010 she was nominated for two Aboriginal People’s Choice Awards and made a huge splash with her performance of her upcoming single Make You Mine.