JB the First Lady facts for kids

Jerilynn Snuxyaltwa Webster, known as JB the First Lady, is an amazing Indigenous artist. She is a hip-hop and spoken word artist, a rapper, and a poet. She is also an activist, a cultural dancer, and a youth educator. JB is from the Nuxalk and Onondaga nations. She lives in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

JB uses her music to share important stories and history. She often writes songs about tough topics. These include the Canadian Indian residential school system and missing and murdered Indigenous women. She believes hip-hop can help Indigenous people feel strong and proud. JB is a big voice for decolonization and for inspiring Indigenous women and young people.

Early Life and Inspiration

Jerilynn Webster was born in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, on March 12, 1984. She moved around Canada a lot when she was a kid. By the time she was a teenager, she had lived in many different places.

In the early 2000s, Webster moved to Vancouver. There, she saw her first hip-hop show. It was by a group of young Indigenous rappers called Tribal Wisdom. This show was a very important moment for her. It made her want to create music that would help other young people.

In an interview, she said she saw artists who were very proud of their heritage. She wanted to encourage young people to speak up. She wanted them to stand up for fairness regarding land, water, and Indigenous rights in Canada.

After that, Webster started spending time at the Knowledgeable Aboriginal Youth Association (KAYA). KAYA was in Vancouver and had a free recording studio. She began making her own music there. Later, she started working at KAYA. By age 22, she became the executive director of the organization.

Music and Activism

In 2006, Webster helped start the First Ladies Crew. This group is made up of Indigenous women rappers and hip-hop artists. They are based in East Vancouver. The group includes artists like Rapsure Risin, Dani and Lizzy, Christie Lee Charles, and Mama Es.

The First Ladies Crew uses hip-hop to empower young Indigenous women. They also share oral histories and talk about identity. Webster explained that their ancestors, the matriarchs, were the storytellers and keepers of history. She feels hip-hop is the best way to connect with young people and the public. It helps share the stories of First Nations and Indigenous people.

JB the First Lady has released four solo albums and one album with a collaborator. She is a strong voice in Indigenous hip-hop and activism. She is well known for her part in the Idle No More movement. She often hosts rallies for Indigenous rights and environmental justice. She also speaks out about violence against Indigenous women.

In 2017, Webster was a speaker at a national meeting. It was about Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. She has performed and spoken at many places across Canada. These include youth centers, Indigenous communities, political rallies, and schools.

Since the Truth and Reconciliation Commission released its final report, Webster has shared Indigenous knowledge. She speaks with immigrant, refugee, and non-Indigenous groups. She still focuses on supporting young people in her community.

Awards and Recognitions

JB the First Lady has received several awards and nominations for her work:

• In 2017, her song was listed as #35 on CBC Music's "100 Best Canadian Songs."
• She received a Commemorative Medal for the Queen's Golden Jubilee.
• In 2016, she won the Emerging Community Engaged Artist award from the Mayor Arts Award in Vancouver.
• Her album won Best Cover Album at the Indigenous Music Awards in 2015.
• She was nominated for Best New Album at the Aboriginal Peoples Choice Award in 2012.
• She was nominated for Female Entertainer of the Year in 2011.
• She was also nominated for Best New Hip-Hop Album in 2011.

Discography

JB the First Lady has released several albums and singles.

Solo Albums

• Indigenous Love (2008)
• Get Ready Get Steady (2011)
• Indigenous Girl Lifestyle (2014)
• Meant To Be (2017)
• Righteous Empowered Daughter (2018)

Collaborations

• Indigenized by Enter-Tribal, with Chief Rock (2015)

Singles

• "Get Ready Get Steady" (2011)
• "OOTG" (2017)
• "Still Here" (2018)