Congratulations to Cris Derksen, Joey Stylez, Beatrice Love, Desiree Dorion, Dylan Thomas and Saali, the artists chosen for First Tracks 2011! These six up-and-coming Aboriginal musicians were chosen from an overwhelming number of submissions.

So who are this year's First Tracks artists?

A rising star on the Canadian music scene, cellist Cris Derksen has toured nationally and internationally. Originally from Northern Alberta, Cris weaves together her traditional classical training with her Aboriginal ancestry to create genre defying music. Her solo performances braid the traditional and contemporary building sounds into often surprising slamming dance music.

Originally from Saskatchewan, Joey Stylez's passion for his musical art form and determination to break stereotypes has led him to continually raise the bar in the Aboriginal music industry. Currently working on his second album, and touring across North America, Stylez is obliterating misconceptions and destroying the oppression that once threatened to hold him back from his music destiny.

Beatrice Love is a soul/pop singer and songwriter with a smooth, sensual tone that resonates greatness. Raised in the Grand Prairies, this mother of three beautiful children has had a passion for singing her whole life. Through Love's trials and tribulation in life, music always saw her past the challenges, inspiring her to follow her dream.

Desiree Dorion enlists strong vocals and an engaging presence to carry listeners through a journey of laughter, loss and connectedness. This gifted writer and storyteller strikes a chord by finding the commonality in us all as witnessed by her latest release, "Soul Back Jack." A classy country girl, she always leaves you wanting more.

Dylan Thomas is a Prince Rupert, BC native spent his youth in the northern fishing town but grew artistically in Vancouver where he formed several groups and played with some touring acts. Leaning heavily in the folk direction, Dylan writes from experience - be it the good, the bad or the ugly. Often infusing subtle humour into otherwise troublesome subject matter, he always writes, sings, and plays from the heart.

Saali, an Inuk from the small village of Quaqtaq in Nunavik, is a singer/songerwriter who was known as "Chucky" in the infancy of his career. His music has since grown and now Saali says he has found his voice. Known best for his collaboration with Beatrice Deer (a past First Tracks artists) Saali is excited to be working on his upcoming album.

The First Tracks 2011 videos will be going into production soon. Watch for them later this year on APTN and APTN.ca!