Nunavik singer-songwriter named to Polaris Prize shortlist

The Inuk singer-songwriter Elisapie has been named to the Polaris Prize shortlist for her album The Ballad of the Runaway Girl.

Elisapie, who is from Salluit, is one of 10 artists named to the 2019 Polaris Prize shortlist, announced July 16.

Her album was also nominated for the Juno Awards’ Indigenous Music Album of the Year earlier this year.

In a Facebook post, Elisapie said she heard the news about the shortlist while on tour in France.

“Who would have thought I’d be crying for joy, celebrating this beautiful recognition in Lyon, on tour!” she wrote.

Elisapie thanked her family and her label for helping her create the album.

“This album has humbled me in many ways,” she wrote. “Merci from the girl who is no longer running away but who loves the road.”

The Polaris Prize is an annual award given to the best full-length Canadian album. The winner will also receive $50,000, according to their website.

Past winners include Jeremy Dutcher, Tanya Tagaq, Feist and Arcade Fire.

The winner will be announced September 16 at a ceremony in Toronto.