AND THE WINNERS ARE...

CONGRATULATIONS

THANK YOUS FROM PRESENTERS NOMINEES & WINNERS
Congratulations on 10 Years
 

"CONGRATULATIONS"... "CONGRATULATIONS"... "CONGRATULAIONS"...  

Congratulations to all the nominee's and winners... Just wanted to add a message as to how awesome the show was and niagra falls... I thank god for the many blessings he has bestowed on me by giving me the opportunity to be a part of the NAMA association as well... Many thanks and blessings to Ellen for letting me in on the show Rosie you are awesome and the to the crew of the NAMA association Two huge Thumbs up on a job well done... Have a blessed day and hope to here from you all soon...
HOUSTON GERONIMO 

Mescalero, NM Oct 8, 2008 @ 4:10 PM 

 
I had a great time at the Nammys, and very much appreciated the Award. I was very inspired by the show and am back at it again. I sure appreciate what you've done in the past ten years, and am very proud of your accomplishments. I know it's definitely not an easy job 
You and your organization has inspired so many musicians from throughout Indian country. It's also great to see all the young kids who are ready to take on the world, and whose goal is to someday get a Nammy. I hear from them on, at least, a weekly basis. You have even inspired others to start their own awards shows. Before the Native American Music Awards, there was no place for native musicians, from contemporary to traditional, to gather and be recognized, this is a great accomplishment. So again, thank you, as I am very proud of you, Donald, Uncle Joe, and the entire NAMA family for ten years of NAMA success.
JIM BOYD


Oklahoma Oct 8, 2008 @ 10:20 AM WaDo.... My son is a member of the Cherokee National Youth Choir (Josh) and I wanted to say thank you to all those who voted for the Youth Choir. These teenagers give up a lot of there time to learn the language and to learn the songs, they work real hard and this is such a great tribute to their hertiage. My son came back from the NAMMY's and saying that EVERYONE was so very kind to all the choir members and really made them feel a part of the music industry. Thanks again, Wes
WES SMITH

Congrats on another successful year and Happy 10th Anniversary!
Best wishes,
Kathy D. Norris
Canyon Records


Halito,
We tuned in from our studio here in Oklahoma after a long day of
working with the Chickasaw Nation to watch the 10th annual NAMMYS.
We were so honored to be announced as the 2008 Debut Group of the
Year. We're excited to start on our next album "Fight for Survival"
Thank you and your crew again. As a producer/editor here in Oklahoma, I've put
my share of shows together and it takes alot of hard work behind the
scenes to keep things flowing and it's not an easy job. Kudos for
your dream and the NAMMYs!
All the best and Yakoke again!
Brad Clonch

First off I would like to extend my thanks for the honor and the privilege of attending your fabulous show and awards ceremony, you did an outstanding job on all fronts, and it was a memorable time for me and my associates and one that will never be forgotten. Thank You in advance for your time and once again for a great event.
D.H.
Member of the Board Of Governors for The Recording Academy Grammy Awards

We had such a fun time and the guys (Dago Braves) were beside themselves over the win. We brought the award to our BET interview today. :-) Thanks much for all the help! It was great meeting you all. -- paula
Paula Gould /PEG PR

It's all good, I had a good time this year as usual. It didn't matter to me who won in the Hip Hop category, obviously I would have liked to win. It was a little frustrating to not see the award presented at the actual show and to just have it reduced to text on a screen during intermission was disappointing. I know some of the nominees were upset due to them flying all the way out and spending all that money and to not even see their album and music presented in even the 10 second clip made them mad. I know there has been a lot controversy online with this years awards but when you are on top there is always going to be folks talking down on what you do and that's especially in Indian Country. The Nammys were the first and still the best and most professional Native Awards ceremony. I appreciate everything that the NAMMYS and everyone involved has done for my career and Maniac's as well. NightShield
Just wanted to say thanks again for the nice weekend, it was allot of fun. I thought the Redbone, Janice Marie, Blackfoot closing was awesome. I hope you have it in the falls again next year.
take care
Ed Ko / Tonemah


We all want to thank you, Donald, Uncle Joe and all your volunteers that make your organization such a great one. The awards we received meant so much to us and are so thankful for them. We had a wonderful time again at the Seneca Niagara Hotel/Casino-they also have a wonderful staff of people! Hope you and everyone at NAMA get some time to unwind! Please let us know if you need any help with anything!
Sincerely,
Kathy Summers, Manager
Buffalo Moon Records
For Brule, AIRO, Nicole

Hi Ellen, Hope you are home by now. Sorry I didn't get to see you at the after party but had a Sunday morning 7:00 am back to Dallas. I remember the days when I would have driven to the airport directly from the party. Ellen, thank you so much for the screening opportunity Friday evening. It is such an honor to screen before my piers and fellow artists. The audience really got the message. The Great Grandson of Henry Pratt attended the show and had no idea of his family history and the boarding school story. He was in tears. The entire awards program was great, Buddy Big Mountain, always a hit. If there is anything I can do for you or NAMA, please don't hesitate to ask. I look forward to seeing you next year. I have invited Principal Chief Chad Smith, Cherokee Nation to next years program.Best Regards,
Steve

I had an unbelievable weekend! Thank you for letting me help. In addition to winning (which was huge!), it was incredibly fun working backstage and helping out. Now this is an amazing thing - I am getting emails (see email below) from people across the country I do not know (or at least I think I don’t…), congratulating me on winning as well as saying they saw me on the web cast. Now that, is way cool! What a great time I had... Thank you again.
Golana’ Scott Cunningham

First of all congratulations on putting on an absolutely wonderful show yesterday. I don't know where to begin! Thank you so much for the opportunity you gave my dancers by being part of this years Nammys. It was the greatest experience for them to take part of something so special and professional. I can't tell you how proud of them I am for handling the quick choreography and staging of their piece which we put together in a total of about 3 or 4 hours this past week to how well they handled the atmosphere of being amongst so many famous people in the industry. This was huge for them (and myself)! We've never been a part of something at this level. Everyone was so nice too. This will not only be a life long memory but a great stepping stone for them in their very early dance careers! I could only hope that you will call on us in the future! Thank you once again for everything and bravo to you for what you have done for the Native American people in the music industry. Hopefully you have some time to relax and take a break. I know how I feel after our annual dance concert, I can't even begin to imagine how much goes into something at this level. Take care!
Patty

We're so honored. Thank you so much.. I hope the show was stellar last night.
All the Best
Berta (Blackfire)

Great job on the NAMMYS Ellen,
it's hard to find the right words to describe such a great event, your work is awesome bringing gifted musicians together to perform for the Creator & for Mother Earth...., never forgetting the past & have great leaders relations in attendance and making good history as you go...,we want to be part of your work..., regardless if my son BLU did not win an award, he had a great time meeting with people from around this great continent. it took us 2 days to get there and 2 days to get back home by vehicle and was worth the trip.
may the Great Spirit be with you & your family.
take care,
BLU's Dad
Barry Morin


I would like to take a moment to say thank you for the honor of being
able to do the announcing for the Nammy's this year. It was a wonderful
experience and something I will remember for a long time to come. Again Thank You
Donald Blackfox

I just wanted to thank you for asking me to be part of the Awards. It was an awesome experience, everyone I met was so nice. I thought I was going to be nervous, but I wasn't at all. I am doing another NAMMY Winner show this week.  Thanks for starting the NAMMYS ten years ago, I know it will only get bigger and better. If you ever need any help with the awards, please let me know. Thanks again and please keep in touch.

David Martin
Native Voices
WJJL 1440 AM

Many thanks for all your efforts in creating and maintaining the Native American Music Awards through these ten years. It was an honor and a pleasure presenting and performing at the 10th Annual NAMA’s. Thanks for all your patience and perseverance, through all the giving time. It is truly a wonderful gift of spirit and good will, coming from good hearts.
Sincerely
Oneowe xe (I thank you)
charley
Ghosthorse

Just a short note to thank you for the opportunity to work with you in Niagara Falls. I had a wonderful time and enjoyed the atmosphere of so many artist. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Lance White Magpie
(Descendant of Crazy Horse)


CJoe
Navajo Rez Oct 7, 2008
Thank you, to everyone that voted for Janelle Turtle. She is my sister, through NAC and we are very proud of her. So, in-return we are wishing you alot of good blessing and more good songs. "Aho"


Bluesmahn
Detroit Oct 7, 2008
Thanks for giving that award to Jimmy Wolff...He's a good friend and all this music is real good...the crow girls are great! james


Richard Stepp
Miami, Oklahoma
Member since Jan 26, 2008 Oct 7, 2008 I had a great time at the 2008 NAMMY AWARDS. All the other nominees, winners and performers were gracious and awesome. Congratulations to all the winners and I hope to see you all next year if not sooner. Richard

Hiwayman,
Browning, MT Oct 7, 2008
Way to go, Blackfoot Confederacy!!! Very proud of ya.

Lightsight
Pittsburg, Kansas, United States of America
Super Congratulations to all my Native American friends who have become my chosen family! It has been so wonderfull to be blessed with so many extra special memories from you all as we have grown closer to each others hearts through the years Wa do, Namaste'


Karen
Seoul, South Korea
Hey all, Thank you so much from The Crow Girls. We are so honored to be awarded in the folk category. Thank you and many blessings!!! Karen Donaldson Shepherd


Esther
Greece Oct 6, 2008
Yay!Congratulations Jana and Brule'& Airo!!


Injunuity
Ada, Oklahoma Oct 5, 2008
Halito/Chukma to all the NAMMY watchers and fans online and at the 10th annual show. We are honored to receive the 2008 NAMMY for Debut Group/Duo of the Year! Yakoke to you all and to the NAMMY staff! www.myspace.com/injunuity www.injunuity.net

 

“I would like to thank NAMA for putting on a great show this year. The performances were amazing, and the stage, lights and sound were outstanding. We watched as the NAMA and Seneca staff busted their backs to put everything together. The NAMMYS brings honor to native people everywhere. And hope to our children by providing an credible outlet for role models and recognition of native talent. Please accept my gratitude for the honor of Artist of the Year for my rock flute CD ‘The Looking Wolf Project’. Congratulations to all of the entrants, nominees, and winners this year. The Unity shared by all has deeply touched many hearts and provided inspiration for our next project which will reach out to native youth drug prevention programs through a new rock CD and music video. 

Truly NAMA’s voice rings clear – WE ARE ALL RELATED!” 
Jan Michael Looking Wolf 
2009 Artist of the Year 
Native American Music Awards 
www.lookingwolf.com 

Chi miigwech for the opportunity and honor of participating in and being selected the "best traditional recording" in this years' Nammys. We were thrilled and humbled to have been chosen. Thank you so very much! Please let me know if there is anything we can do or need to do for the organization. It's our first award of such distinction. But we are very appreciative. 
Chi Miigwech, miinwaa! 
Lyz Jaakola & Oshkii Giizhik Singers 

The midnite express singers would like to thank all our relatives friends and powwow families for all their support. Also special thanks to Bear Traks for making this album possible. It has taken a lot of hard work and dedication to be where were at today and we could not have done it without the guidence of our elders and teachers. We dedicate this award to the remembrance of our late brothers jerry dearly jr and randy tawawino. 
Aho migwitch 
Midnite Express 

I want to pass along my thanks and congratulations to you and your staff for 
a successful NAMA weekend. It was an honor to be involved and Shane was 
thrilled to win an award. 
Best Regards, 
Louis O'Reilly 
Manager for Shane Yellowbird 

I was able to speak with Mario a couple hours ago and Sam late yesterday, regarding their trip to Niagara Falls for the NAMA event. Mario, Irma, Sam, Harry and Mike want to thank you for honoring Ritchie for HOF induction and allowing Mario's band to participate in this historic event. Irma was having such a great time at the show, she grabbed a nearby mike and sang, "La Bamba" as Backyard Blues Band jammed on stage. Mario, Irma, Sam, Harry and Mike said that NAMA organization is a class act and the event was spectacular. My regret was not being able to attend, due to business matters here in LA. The band and Irma would also like to thank Rosemary for her hospitality, friendship and were pleasantly surprised when she greeted everyone at the airport. We all agree that we have a new friend in you Ellen and are hopeful to be part of NAMA, down the road. 
Our Best, 
Brian J. Arra, Agent 
Black River Entertainment 

Thanks again for a memorable and exciting musical experience!! Just to be amongst so many talented Native artists was an honor in itself. To be among the winners of the night was a gift that we will never forget. Thank you very much. 
Thanks for being so professional and easy to work with. Your correspondence throughout the nomination period was greatly appreciated as well. Have a nice day. 
-Charly Lowry 
Best Video 

What a fantastic job you and Don did with the Nammys. 
I have heard nothing but good things about the show.   Again, great job! 
Jody Roberts 
 Rep for Gil Birmingham 

It was a great adventure and a fun weekend. It is a truly great event you have built. You and Rose are both like energizer bunnies, and there is a lot of positive energy and camaraderie surrounding the whole event. I can't even imagine trying to organize something of that size. 
Y'all are always welcome at our Backyard Blues campfire. 
Love and Respect, 
Sam 
Backyard Blues Band 
Ritchie Valens Tribute 

THANK YOU, THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!!! 
We heard the news last night as we were traveling home from our concert. Paul and I want to thank you for this, it really means a lot to us and we felt bad that we couldn't be there in person. I'm sure all went well and that you had a successful night. 
BRULE' 
Group of the Year 

Well you did a wonderful job. I have heard nothing but good things about the event from everyone. 
Darryl Tonemah 
Performer & Best Folk Nominee 

Thank you all for your votes and appreciation of my music. It was such an honor for me to receive the "Best New Age" award for the "Deep Within" CD on Oct.3, 2009 @ the Native American Music Awards Ceremony in Niagara Falls. This was a wonderful time to become acquainted with other artists' work and to renew former connections with friends too. 
Bless each of your lives with peace.. Sincerely, 
Tony Redhouse. 
Best New Age Recording 

Hi its Jace Martin. I just wanna say how much fun I had performing at 
this years Nama's...it was so great. 
Jace Martin 
Debut Artist Nominee & Ritchie Valens Tribute Performer 

Congratulations on yet another successful Native American Music Awards 
Show. Thank you for letting me be a part of it. 
Ms. Bo Johnson, Producer & Host 
NATIVE NATIONS 
KRFC, Fort Collins, CO 

Words cannot express my gratitude and appreciation for the phenomenal show you put on this year. From the moment I arrived the warmth, care, support and welcoming spirit from everyone made me feel right at home. The music, the venue, the performers, and everyone involved in the show touched my heart and nourished my spirit. I am deeply honored to have been able to participate in the Native American Music Awards this year as a nominee and presenter. Winning the Nammy in the Native Heart category was a dream come true. 
The whole experience was a great gift I will treasure the rest of my life. 
Blessings, 
Michael Brant DeMaria 

On behalf of our performing artists; Michael Bucher and Wind Spirit Drum, we send a heartfelt thank you for all you do for Native American people, culture and music industry. It is a sincere honor to receive the awards. 
With much respect, 
Karla 
Studio West Management 

I want to thank you for giving me an opportunity to perform, most importantly all the other indigenious artists in our nation that are so talented. I was so proud to see such an array of talent in Indian Country. I also made some new friends and inspired in my own musical endeavors. It was a pleasure to work with the crew, meet everyone, and experience something new. I'm used to singing with pianos with no mics in auditoriums and churches...so the stage and monitors were a whole new experience for me.  Wonderful growing experience for me. I'm so used to performing here in Oneida that is nice to spread my wings and meet so many wonderful people during my travels. Again, thanks for the opportunity, sincerely appreciate it. 
Sincerely, 
Jennifer M. Stevens 
Soprano from Green Bay! :) 
wakohsiyostudio.com 

Arriving at this wonderland event is the start of a memory for a lifetime. It was almost dreaming -- here to rehearse and hob-nob with some of the big names in Native American music. There I was, a 76-year-old composer about to be on stage. As a representative of the Mohawk Community of Tyendinaga, I was greeted with traditional greeting words, embraces, and well-wishes. I began to walk proudly among the many Native Nations in attendance. There was so much absolute brotherhood at this event -- everyone happy to be a part of this historic happening. Soon other Mohawk were coming to me to greet me and to wish this "Ista" (aunt) the best. Astikyonke from Akwesasne greeted me and I him--"we are one people" he said to me. Later in the evening he was awarded his NAMY for-Best Folk Recording--and still he came to The soprano, JENNIFER M. STEVENS, an Oneida-Lakota from Green Bay Wisconsin sang and I accompanied her at the keyboard in the aria: "But, What of My People?" from my opera Molly of the Mohawks.(the opera was up for an award in the category: Best Historical CD). Her clear soprano voice soared and the words of the aria reached the audience -- the powerful message of the song -- "But What of My People?" Later that night and even the next day, so many people came to her and myself to praise the performance and the song's meaning -- The message had been delivered!!! A door opened and we knew that the Native world heard our call -- Molly had asked --"who hears our plea? and what of our people?" ---Here the NAMA was telling the world--music is the great healer. Tonight an Oneida and a Mohawk had delivered that message. 
--Willow Wind (Augusta Cecconi-Bates) October 5th, 2009 

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Nominees of the Tenth Annual Native American Music Awards will be selected by NAMA Advisory and Industry members by June 30th, 2008. Eligible recordings must have been commercially released from December 31, 2006 thru December 31, 2007. Winners are determined through membership votes and a national voting campaign open to the general public through a listen and vote system on the Native American Music Awards website, www.nativeamericanmusicawards.com

NOTE: A U.S. PASSPORT WILL BE REQUIRED TO ENTER THE CANADIAN BORDER TO SEE NIAGARA FALLS FROM THE CANADIAN SIDE. U.S. PASSPORTS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM YOUR LOCAL POST OFFICE AND TAKE AT LEAST 10 WEEKS FOR PROCESSING. CONTACT YOUR LOCAL POST OFFICE FOR MORE INFORMATION.

For further information, call (212) 228-8300 or visit;

www.senecaniagaracasino.com
www.infoniagara.com
www.city.niagarafalls.on.ca