BREAKING NEWS:
NAMA STANDS WITH STANDING ROCK
Many NAMA Winners, Nominees and nationally renowned celebrities as well as Tribal Nations are coming together in a historic move to support the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and their protest against the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline whether by peacefully protesting, sending letters of support, or through social media posts.
Lil Mike & Funny Bone, Lee Plenty Wolf, Radmilla Cody, Thana Redhawk, Spirit Cry and Blue Mountain Tribe are just some of the artists Standing With Standing Rock to protect their lands and the Missouri River against the Dakota Access Pipeline.
The Revenant star,
Leonardo DiCaprio, has repeatedly an openly posted his support in for the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. His latest social media
post states,"Stand with the Standing Rock Sioux in their opposition of the Dakota Access Pipeline which threatens our climate."
Divergent star
Shailene Woodley joined youth from the Standing Rock Reservation (www.rezpectourwater.com) on a run from North Dakota to Washington, D.C. in hopes of preventing construction of the pipeline. Woodley was reportedly
joined by Actress
Rosario Dawson at Union Square in New York City for another Dakota Access Pipeline protest.
Actor
Jason Momoa posted on his Instagram page,"I support the
#NativeYouth of
#StandingRockRez. I signed the petition to stop the
#DakotaAccessPipeline, your turn click on the link in my bio. Please take a second to check out what's happening."
Singer/songwriter,
Pharrell Williams posted on Facebook, "We have so much we can learn from the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and other Native American tribes. The children of Standing Rock ran 2,200 miles on foot to Washington, DC to save their sacred land from the oil industry. Let's help protect them so they can continue to live in peace
#rezpectourwater "
The Dakota Access pipeline is set to be constructed near the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation in North Dakota, crossing under the Missouri River which is the only source of water to the reservation. The pipeline is planned to transport approximately 470,000 barrels of crude oil per day. The potential of oil leaks would contaminate the only source of water for the reservation.
Leaders from the Standing Rock Sioux tribe, whose reservation lies just south of the pipeline’s path, are peacefully protesting an are now joined by with thousands of others who have travelled from across the country to spiritually participate in these peaceful protests.
Although mainstream media coverage seems scarce, MTV News just reported on the issue stating, "From protesting
offshore oil drilling to calls for green energy initiatives, Native communities know that environmental justice is a fight for survival. Far too often Native land is drilled, bulldozed over, or poisoned by what America calls progress, putting people and the natural resources they need to survive at risk."
The New York TImes also reports, "The conflict may reach a crucial moment on Wednesday in a federal court hearing. The tribe has sued to block the pipeline and plans to ask a judge in Washington to effectively halt construction. The pipeline runs overwhelmingly along private land, but where it crosses bodies of water, federal rules come into play and federal approvals are required. The tribe says the pipeline’s route under the Missouri River could threaten its water supplies if the pipeline leaks or breaks, and it says the United States Army Corps of Engineers failed to do proper cultural and historical reviews before granting federal approvals for the pipeline."
WATER IS LIFE________________________NOMINEE ANNOUNCEMENT FOR THE
16TH ANNUAL NATIVE AMERICAN MUSIC AWARDSAWARDS TO BE HELD SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 17th AT THE
SENECA ALLEGANY EVENTS CENTER AT SENECA ALLEGANY CASINO
ON SENECA TERRITORYTickets On-Sale Now At All Ticketmaster Outlets August 16, 2016– New York, NY. Nominations for the
16th Annual Native American Music Awards (NAMA) have been announced today by The Native American Music Association. Nominations reflect the highest quality of recordings by music makers throughout Indian Country and were selected by the combined votes of the NAMA Advisory Board Membership.
Both new and established artists share the list of nominations throughout a diverse array of 25 music categories. Some of this year's featured nominees include: America's Got Talent finalists,
Lil Mike and Funny Bone, and GRAMMY Award winners,
Primeaux & Mike. Multiple nominations went to flutists;
Gareth Laffely, Randy Granger, Rona Yellow Robe and the drum group
Cree Confederation who all released several recordings within the eligibility period.
Several noteworthy nominees have been invited to peform at this year's Awards ceremony. They include;
Shelley Morningsong who was nominated for both Artist of the Year and Record of the Year for her recording "Love Medicine," her musical and personal partner,
Fabian Fontenelle for his twice nominated recording, "Songs of Our Ancestors: Songs of the Zuni", Pop sensation
Spencer Battiest who recently appeared in an off Broadway play, and previous NAMA Award winner,
Bear Fox who was nominated for her solo effort, "Daybreak" and will also perform with her traditional women's group she co-founded,
The Akwesasne Singers.Posthumous music nominations are also being made this year. The late Lakota elder
Joseph Flying Bye, received two nominations for his recording,
"Putting The Moccasins Back On" for Best Historical Recording an Best Traditional Recording. At the time of the recording, Flying Bye was an 83 year old Lakota medicine man from the Standing Rock reservation in South Dakota, who shared ceremonial songs and teachings of the sun dance, as passed down for many generations.
Awarded NAMA LIving Legend at the inaugural Native American Music Awards,
John Trudell, was a Santee Dakota activist, artist, actor, and poet, who led a life dedicated to indigenous human rights, land and language issues. He lead a spoken word movement that is a continuation of Native American oral traditions until his death in December 2015. Trudell's spoken word can be heard on several nominated recordings by the musical group,
7th Generation Rise, and musician and poet,
Thana Redhawk who will be performing a tribute to Trudell at the Awards show.
Another tribute is also being planned for the late
Jim Boyd who
earned multiple nominations with two recordings; "Unity" and "Bridgecreek Road", he released before his untimely death this past June
. Boyd was a multiple-award winner who has performed on the motion picture soundtrack for
Smoke Signals and in several groups including XIT, Greywolf, and Winterhawk. He was given a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Native American Music Awards in 2014.
This year's Lifetime Achievement Award recipient will be
Joseph Fire Crow, a Cheyenne singer/songwriter, flutist, and actor. He has been releasing albums since 1992 and was nominated for a GRAMMY in 2001. Fire Crow has won Best Songwriter, Best Instrumental Recording
, Artist of the Year, Best Song Single, and is a three time Best Flutist award winner by the Native American Music Awards. Fire Crow will also give a commemorative performance as part of his Lifetime Achievement Award presentation.
General Public voting is now open. To vote, visit the VOTE page of the Awards website or by clicking on the following link:
VOTE NOW Public voting will determine the winner of each category. Music tracks from all nominees are also featured on the Awards' website at
www.NAMALIVE.com.Winners will be announced live at the 16th Annual Native American Music Awards which will be held on Saturday September 17th at the Seneca Allegany Entertainment Center in the Seneca Allegany Casino & Hotel in Salamanca, New York located South of Buffalo, New York on Seneca Nation territory.
The Native American Music Awards & Association is the world's largest professional membership-based organization committed to honoring contemporary and traditional Native American music initiatives.
Nominees and Advisory members who plan on attending the Awards ceremony, should contact the Awards office and RSVP by emailing NAMALIVE@aol.com.
The Native American Music Awards & Association extends its sincerest congratulations to this year's NAMA Nominees.
ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Annie Humphrey (Ojibwe) – Uncombed Hair
Joe Tohonnie Jr (Apache/Navajo) – Family Keeping Our Traditions Alive
Shelley Morningsong (Northern Cheyenne) – Love Medicine
Steven Rushingwind (Cahuilla) - Red Beaten Path
Tabitha Fair (Chickasaw) - Toward The Rising Sun
Vince Redhouse (Navajo) – Appear To Be
BEST BLUES RECORDING
All Our Relations - Blue Mountain Tribe (Chiricahua Apache)
Big N’ Tasty – BNT Big N Tasty Blues Band (Oneida of Wisconsin)
Native American Gratitude – Tony Eagleheart Garcia (Tarasco/Purepecna of Michoacan/Huichol/Sierra Madra)
Song of the Wolf – Graywolf Blues Band (Yaqui)
Swingin’ Tomahawk - Billy Joe Green (Anishinaabe Ojibway)
That’s All I Need – Twice As Good (Pomo)
BEST COUNTRY RECORDING
Acoustic Sessions - Tyra Preston (Navajo)
Last Ride - C-WEED (Anishinaabe aka Ojibway)
Love Drunk Fool - Wayne Garner (Cherokee)
Reservation Girl - Desert West (Navajo)
Til The Cowboys Come Home- Kimberley Dawn (Metis)
Warriors of Love - Kelly Derrickson (West Bank First Nation Okanagan)
DEBUT ARTIST
Blackkiss (Navajo) – Dirt Dance Floor
Carmen Jones (Ojibway) – Can You See It
Connor Chee (Navajo) – The Navajo Piano
Logan Staats (Mohawk) – Goodbye Goldia
Niizhoo Sullivan (LCO Ojibway)- Rez Kid Rhythmn
Thana Redhawk (Apache/Cherokee/Aztec/Sioux/Mexica) – Medicine Frequencies
DEBUT GROUP OR DUO OF THE YEAR
7th Generation Rise (Oglala/Yaqui) – The Fifth World
Company 2015 (Navajo) – Company 2015
David Rose & Pete Barnhart (Choctaw/Cherokee) – Falling To Grace
Jaaji & Chelsey June (Mohawk/Inuk) - Twin Flames
Scatter Their Own (Oglala Lakota) – Taste The Time
Jay – Wellz Music (Rosebud Sioux/Sicangu Oyate) - Every Minute of it or EMOI
BEST FEMALE VOCALIST
Bear Fox (Mohawk) - Daybreak
Fawn Wood (Cree) - Kikawiynaw
Kelly Derrickson (West Bank First Nation Okanagan) – Warriors of Love
Kimberley Dawn (Metis) – Til The Cowboys Come Home
Rona Yellow Robe (Chippewa Cree) – Lighting Our Way
Sage Bond (Lakota) - Sage Bond
BEST FOLK SPOKEN WORD RECORDING
Another Man’s Son – Jonathan Maracle (Mohawk)
Justice In Time - Bobby Bullet (Lac Du Flambeau/Lake Superior Chippewa)
Medicine Frequencies - Thana Redhawk (Apache/Cherokee/Aztec/Sioux/Mexica)
Native American Songs & Stories For Children Vol 1 - Sue Straw (Cherokee Nation West)
This Northern Girl - Cindy Paul (Metis Cree)
Twin Flames – Jaaji & Chelsey June (Mohawk/Inuk)
FLUTIST OF THE YEAR
Cody Blackbird Band (Eastern Band of Cherokee/Dakota) - Euphoria
Darren Thompson (Lac Du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior/Chippewa) - Between Earth and Sky: Native American Flute Music Recorded in the Black Hills –
Ed Koban (Mohawk) – How To Fly
Randy Granger (Mayan/Apache) – Ancient Grace
Rona Yellow Robe (Chippewa Cree) – Shoot For The Moon
Ryan Little Eagle (Taino/Lakota) – My Song, My Stories
DUO OR GROUP OF THE YEAR
Cree Confederation (Cree) – Piciciwin – Cree Round Dance Songs
Lil Mike & FunnyBone (Pawnee, Choctaw) - Rain Dance The Album
Primeaux & Mike (Sioux/Navajo) – Road To Peace
Spirit of Thunderheart (Schaghticoke & Metis) - Unity
Tony Duncan & Darrin Yazzie (Apache/Mandan/Arikara/Hidatsa/Dine’) – Singing Lights
Young Spirit (Plains Cree) - Nitehe Ohchi-“From The Heart”
BEST GOSPEL/ INSPIRATIONAL /NATIVE AMERICAN CHURCH RECORDING
Dear Lord Jesus- Melissa Pettignano (Apache)
Heart and Soul - Conrad Benally (Shoshone Bannock)
Into The Storm - Primeaux & Skyhorse (Lakota/Ponca/Navajo Dine)
Northern Lights 3 - Devin Whirlwind Soldier (Rosebud Sioux)
Spirit of the Swirling One: Songs of the Native American Church - Louie Gonnie (Dine’)
Meditations For Two - I Golana (Echota Cherokee of Alabama)
BEST HISTORICAL/LINGUISTIC RECORDING
Mackenzie’s Raid - 7 Trees (Lipan Apache)
Justice In Time - Bobby Bullet (Lac Du Flambeau/Lake Superior Chippewa)
Putting The Moccasins Back On - Joseph Flying Bye (Lakota)
Songs of Our Old People - Kenneth Cozad & Friends (Kiowa & Comanche)
500 Years - Rhonda Head (Cree)
Unity - Jim Boyd (Confederated tribes of Colville Reservation)
BEST INSTRUMENTAL/NEW AGE RECORDING
Appear To Be - Vince Redhouse (Navajo)
Red Beaten Path – Steven Rushingwind (Cahuilla)
Sky Before A Storm - Gareth (Mi’kmaq/Cree)
The Navajo Piano - Connor Chee (Navajo)
The River - ETHEL & Robert Mirabal (Taos Pueblo)
Wildflowers - Painted Raven (Cherokee/Sioux)
BEST MALE VOCALIST
CC Murdock (Timpanogos/Shashone Piaute) - Resistance
Fabian Fontenelle (Zuni/Omaha) – Songs of Our Ancestors/Songs of Zuni
O. Jay Moz (Navajo) – Affectional Moment
Randy Granger (Mayan/Apache) – Desert Dreaming
Roman Orona (Apache) – Circling Spirits Contemporary Apache Songs
Spencer Battiest (Seminole) – Stupid In Love
BEST POP RECORDING
Dare To Dream - Gareth (Mi’kmaq/Cree)
Do You Mind – The GroovaLottos (Cherokee, Choctaw and Wampanoag)
Freedom - Rockapelli (Chumash/Huichol)
Hallucinations - Nikkole (Meherrin Nation)
MIGHTY - Jace Martin (Mohawk)
Stupid In Love - Spencer Battiest (Seminole)
BEST POW WOW RECORDING
Born To Sing: Pow Wow Songs Recorded live at ASU - Young Bear (Various)
Kihtawasoh Wapakwani/Beautiful Flower - Cree Confederation (Cree)
Live @ Apache Gold - Yellow Spotted Horse (Ponca)
Live From The Big Sky – Show Time (Various /Three Affiliated Tribes)
Now and Forever Love Songs - Big River Cree (Cree)
True North Strong & Cree Pow Wow Songs Recorded Live at Enoch - Northern Cree (Cree)
BEST RAP/HIP HOP/R&B RECORDING
Beam Me Up - Blue Flamez (Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs Oregon)
Broken Bridges - Red Haze (Jicarilla Apache)
Defover 30 - Quese Imc (Pawnee/Seminole)
NDN (Warrior DNA Album) - Chase Manhattan (Mvskoke, Anishnabe, Lakota)
Rain Dance The Album – Lil Mike & FunnyBone (Pawnee, Choctaw)
The Addiction - Night Shield (Rosebud Sioux)
RECORD OF THE YEAR
Bridge Creek Road - Jim Boyd (Confederated tribes of Colville Reservation)
Kikawiynaw - Fawn Wood (Cree)
Love Medicine - Shelley Morningsong (Northern Cheyenne)
Mahli - Injunuity (Choctaw/Chickasaw)
Songs of Our Old People - Kenneth Cozad & Friends (Kiowa & Comanche)
The Navajo Piano - Connor Chee (Navajo)
BEST ROCK RECORDING
Elevolution - Hour Eleven (Choctaw/Cherokee/Taino/Zacateco)
Evolution - Phoenix Rises (Leech Lake Band of Ojibwa)
Old Dog Cryin - Corey Medina (Navajo Dine’)
Taste The Time - Scatter Their Own (Oglala Lakota)
Hard Road Out of Hell - Geronimo Paulette (Chipewyan)
Spirit Cry - Spirit Cry (Choctaw/Wyandotte of Oklahoma)
SINGLE OF THE YEAR
Bad One - Dylan Jenet (Montaukette)
Come And Get Your Love - B. of Dakota South Records (Yankton Sioux)
Fire Inside - Sten Joddi (Muskoke Creek Nation of OK)
Goodnight Moon - Clan-Destine (Lakota/Dine)
In Your Eyes - Howard Lyons (Mohawk)
Toward The Rising Sun - Tabitha Fair (Chickasaw)
BEST TRADITIONAL RECORDING
Family Keeping Our Traditions Alive - Joe Tohonnie Jr (Apache/Navajo)
Generations – Windwalker and the MCW (Linape/Mik Maq/Cherokee)
Our Dance - Alaska Native Heritage Center Dancers (Various)
Putting The Moccasins Back On - Joseph Flying Bye (Lakota)
Sisters In Spirit - Women of Heart (Passamaquoddy/Cherokee)
Songs of Our Ancestors/Songs of Zuni - Fabian Fontenelle (Zuni/Omaha)
BEST MUSIC VIDEO
#DearNativeYouth - Mic Jordan (Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewas)
Hellraisers On Harleys - Jim Boyd (Confederated tribes of Colville Reservation)
One Day - Indian City (Ojibway)
Rez Life - Blue Flamez featuring BLL (Warm Springs/Klamath/Crow/Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Indians)
We Didn’t Ask Why – Shelley MorningSong
Why? – Supaman and Acosia Red Elk
BEST WAILA RECORDING
In Loving Memory of Our Beloved Father & Uncle - Family Pride (Tohono O’odham Nation)
O’odham Tradition Waila Band - Mumsigo Himdag (Tohono O’odham Nation)
Steel Rollin - Nativille (Tohono O’odham Nation)
Waila In Our Eyes - Mumsigo Tribe (Tohono O’odham Nation)
NATIVE HEART
Charles Button - White Buffalo
John Oglesby – Spirit Path
Lex Nichols – Into The Canyon
Michael Longrider - In Through The Mist
Terry Frazier – Above The Mist
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT
Joseph FireCrow
|
Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient,
Multiple Award Winner, & Colville Tribal Chairman,
Jim Boyd Passes Away
New York, NY 6/24/2016 - It is with great sorrow and profound sadness that the Native American Music Awards (NAMA) shares the announcement from The Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation on the passing of multiple award winner and Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, Jim Boyd. On Tuesday, June 21st, Jim Boyd reportedly died due to natural causes. He was 60 years old.
"Jim Boyd was one of the most talented and genuine artists ever to grace our stage. He touched and influenced many by his sheer presence, modesty and versatile songwriting ability. A seven time award winner and a Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, he was loved by all. We are grateful we were able to honor him and his music. We extend our deepest condolences to his wife, Shelly and family and to the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation. He will be greatly missed.” states NAMA Founder and President, Ellen Bello.
On June 22, 2016, the Office of the Vice Chairman, Michael E. Marchand of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation announced in a press release that the Chairman of the Colville Tribes, James L. Boyd, who had held the post of Tribal Chairman since 2014, had passed on. Vice Chairman Michael Marchand stated, “This is a very, very sad day for the Colville Tribes. One of our most respected leaders, and talented tribal members is no longer among us. The sheer enormity of our loss has not set in yet, and I doubt that it will for quite some time.” Jim Boyd hailed from the small town of Inchelium on the Colville Indian Reservation in Washington State. He was a member of the Arrow Lakes tribe, which is one of the twelve tribes of the Colville Confederacy. He once stated, "I will always stand for our people, our land, and our future generations".
As one of the most active Native American recording artists, Jim Boyd’s music career spanned over four decades in the roles as; musician, performer, songwriter, and producer. He has worked on projects for Miramax, Warner Brothers, Mega International Records, Dixie Frog Records, Sound of America Records, as well as produced audio-visual projects for businesses and colleges. Jim has released 15 records to date; Reservation Bound, Unity, Reservation Blues, First Come Last Served, AlterNatives, Jim Boyd w/ Alfonso Kolb Live At The Met, Kyo-t Live, Going To The Stick Games, Them Old Guitars, Live At Two Rivers, Blues To Bluegrass, Voices From The Lakes, Harley High, Living For The Sunny Days, and most recently Bridge Creek Road. Jim also managed his own career and continued to perform as the business owner and operator of his label, Thunderwolf Records.
Jim has received multiple nominations and awards for his work from the Native American Music Awards over the years. At the Second Annual Native American Music Awards, he took home the award for Best Compilation Recording for the Smoke Signals soundtrack; at the Fifth Annual  Awards, he won Record of the Year for his recording, AlterNatives. The next year he took Best Pop/Rock Recording for LIVE; at the Seventh Annual Awards he received Record of the Year for Going To The Stick Games; he received Songwriter of the Year at the Eighth Annual Native American Music Awards for Them Old Guitars; he won Best Short Form Music Video for Inchelium at the Ninth Annual Awards; and he received the prestigious Artist of the Year Award at the Tenth Annual Native American Music Awards.
On November 14, 2014, Jim Boyd was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his outstanding contributions in the field of Native American music at the  15th Annual commemoration held at the Seneca Allegany Casino & Hotel in Salamanca, New York. His wife Shelly and daughter Stevey were both in attendance.
 Jim first started playing gigs in junior high in his older brother’s band, The Benzi Kriks, around Sewart Air Force Base in Tennessee. In 1968, the family moved back to the Colville reservation where Jim continued to play gigs with his lifelong friend Jerry Stensgar, who played bass. He started playing cover music in bars by the age of sixteen.
At the age of 23, Jim was recruited as a guitar player in the group XIT, which was one of the first rock groups in Indian country to have success. Boyd played for two years with XIT. Boyd also appeared in the documentary, XIT: Without Reservation, which was a live recording filmed at the Mystic Lake Casino in Prior Lake, Minnesota. Boyd and XIT bass player, Frank Diaz, started a cover group called Greywolf with drummer, Ed Banning. This group continued in many forms throughout the next fifteen years, and eventually  added drummer Alfonso Kolb, who continued to play with Jim afterward. After Diaz’s departure, Jerry Stensgar joined as bass player until Greywolf officially disbanded. With intentions to become a recording engineer instead of a songwriter, Jim attended the Recording Workshop in Chillicothe, Ohio in the early 80's. He didn't start writing his own songs until the age of thirty, penning lyrics about Native American issues placed to contemporary music. He met Sherman Alexie at the Columbia Folk Festival in Spokane when Alexie was preparing his first movie, Smoke Signals on Miramax. He asked Boyd to write songs for the soundtrack. The first song Jim wrote, "Father and Farther," became the movie's central theme. "Music is Jim's voice," Alexie had said. "With his music, he is more courageous, more passionate, more extroverted. He is a gentleman, tender and funny in his private life, and brash and courageous on his public stage. I love them both."
 Jim had four songs featured in the Miramax motion picture Smoke Signals, which were also included on the TVT Records soundtrack. He also recorded music for Warner Bros. books on tape, Indian Killer.
Not all of Jim’s songs dealt with Native American issues or Native American genres for that matter. His songs ranged from folk to country, rock and blues all while balancing his commercial and artistic sides. A music magazine said he was "a mix of folk, rock, blues, thoughtful lyrics with great guitar riffs and strong vocals".
 In 2001, Jim released AlterNatives, which received Record of the Year by the Native American Music Awards.
In 2002 and 2003, Jim released consecutive live releases. The first was Live At the Met, which was recorded with just Jim and percussionist friend Alfonso Kolb. The next year he  released Kyo-t, LIVE, which was Jim’s four-piece band at that time.
In 2005, Jim released what would win another Record of the Year. This release was called, Going To The Stick Games, which was a tribute to a traditional game that is still played today. Jim fused Stick Game  songs with contemporary music in an Americana vein. Jim said “although it was a tribute to the Stick Games, it was also a tribute to Hidden Beach, which is on Twin Lakes where I used to play this game when I was younger.” Them Old Guitars was released in 2005, of which the title song was a tribute to Boyd’s childhood friend and bandmate, Jerry Stensgar. Jerry passed away at the age of fifty. Live At Two Rivers was released in 2006 by the Jim Boyd Band and featured the songs “Inchelium: and “Rebel Moon” which were later released on a compilation recording in France.
 In 2007, Jim released Blues to Bluegrass, which was called a “true American gem” and he received Artist of the Year from the Native American Music Awards. In 2010, Jim recorded and released Voices From The Lakes, a more traditional release featuring cedar flutes, drums, and lyrics that were inspired by the history of the Arrow Lakes People. Jim released a twelve-song Cd entitled, Harley High, in 2011 that was recorded in Nashville and engineered by Grammy award winner Bobby Bradley. Harley High was a mainstream rock recording that portrayed Jim’s love for riding Harley Davidsons.
 In 2013, Jim re-mastered and re-released, UNITY, originally released in 1993. This year, Jim released, Bridge Creek Road, featuring an album cover photo of him performing from the last awards ceremony which he had just submitted for nomination consideration in the upcoming Native American Music Awards.
Jim has toured throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe. He has performed and/or recorded with mainstream artists as; Bonnie Raitt, The Indigo Girls, Joe Cocker, Joan Baez, and Clint Black, both as a solo artist and with other groups. He appeared at festivals like The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, Seattle's Bumbershoot, Hard Rock Hotels, The Sundance Film Festival, an appeared on CBS 60 Minutes. 
At the time of Jim’s death, he was serving his second term on the Colville Business Council as Chairman and was standing for reelection. He was previously the Culture Committee Chairman, Vice-Chairman of the Business Council, and Chairman of the Law & Justice Committee.
 Following news about Jim Boyd’s death, his wife, Shelly wrote in a Facebook post...
all we feel right now is the loss. He was a very, very strong person who worked very hard and was so responsible with his word and his commitments. We had suffered a great loss in the community last week and he was working hard to make sure things were running smoothly behind the scenes, as was his way. He collapsed sometime on Tuesday. He passed of natural causes and appeared not to have suffered. All I can say is he took excellent care of himself, he ate well, and he exercised religiously. However, we know now that he was out of his high blood pressure medication. ….As you all know, he loved music and it truly was his religion. It would be such an honor if those of you who loved him brought out your guitars, your hand drums, your big drums, your flutes, your voices and sang him on his way. I just want to give those traveling some idea on how to make plans. For those of you with plans this weekend especially for the kids, he would want you to enjoy your family time.
In addition to his wife Shelly, Jim Boyd is survived by his mother, Violet Boyd; brothers Lanny and Michael; sisters Pam, Luana and LaDonna; sons Joel, Dakota, Brian and Michael Carson, and daughter Stevey Seymour; nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
As we mourn the loss of Jim Boyd with his family, we will also celebrate the many amazing songs and recordings he has left us and the world. And wherever you may be, remember to bring out your guitars, your hand drums, your big drums, your flutes, your voices and sing Jim on his way.
| Congratulations to Leonardo DiCaprio, Arthur RedCloud, Forrest Goodluck, Melaw Nakehk'o, Duane Howard and the other Native American actors in The Revenant.  Environmentalists Join Forces in New Orleans To Foster A Growing Alliance to Combat Climate Change and Fossil Fuels  “It is time we wake up the world to stop abusing and destroying a gift of life – before it is too late,”
Chief Arvol Looking Horse http://www.desmogblog.com/2016/03/28/environmentalists-join-forces-new-orleans-foster-growing-alliance-combat-climate-change-and-fossil-fuels
REMEMBERING NAMA'S LIVING LEGEND
JOHN TRUDELL  The Native American Music Awards is deeply saddened to share that internationally recognized poet, recording artist, actor and speaker, John Trudell has journeyed to the Spirit world. We offer our thoughts, love and prayers to John and his family. The Awards organization was informed of his death through an official announcement; Our beloved Brother, Father, Uncle, Grandfather and Friend made the journey to the ancestors at 2:20 am this morning December 8, 2015. He was in the arms of Johnny Elk, Havoni Coupe, and Kevin Marsh. We are deeply grateful for all your prayers, love and support. May our beloved's words, work on behalf of our people, Mother Earth, all relations and His journey bring you peace in your life, as he loves all of you so very much.
Peace and Love Relatives. On John Trudell’s Facebook page it states; My ride showed up.
Celebrate Love. Celebrate Life.
John Trudell February 15, 1946 - December 8, 2015
John Trudell was a poet, recording artist, actor and speaker whose global following reflected the universal language of his words, work and message. He was presented with a Living Legend award at the Inaugural Native American Music Awards in 1998 which he called "Heart Medicine". Throughout the years, he appeared as a special guest participant and took the Artist of the Year award in 2000 and the Song/Single of the Year for his full length recording Blue Indianswith Quiltman & Jackson Browne.
 According to the Associated Press, a trustee of Trudell's estate, Cree Miller, confirmed John Trudell died of cancer on Tuesday morning, December 8th at his home in Santa Clara County in Northern California surrounded by family and friends. He was 69 years of age. Born February 15, 1946, in Omaha, Nebraska to a Santee Sioux father and Mexican mother, John Trudell grew up near the Santee Sioux Reservation. He became involved in Native American activism after serving in the U.S. Navy on a destroyer off the Vietnamese coast. In 1969, Trudell joined American Indians who had occupied Alcatraz Island in San Francisco Bay to demand that the former federal prison should be given to Native Americans under treaty rights. John, who studied radio and broadcasting at a college in San Bernardino, California, became spokesman for the group that called itself the United Indians of All Tribes, and ran a radio broadcast from the island called Radio Free Alcatraz during the 19-month takeover. John went on to serve as national chairman of the activist American Indian Movement from 1973 to 1979. While he was demonstrating in Washington, D.C. in 1979, his pregnant wife, Tina Manning, their three children and mother-in-law were killed in a fire at her parents' home. After the tragedy, John was compelled to write poetry. He said it just came to him, like Tina was talking to him and he was just “following the lines.” He published a chapbook in 1982 entitled, Living in Reality. That same year he began recording his poetry to traditional Native music by talking his friend Quiltman into backing him on drum and vocals. By 1983, he released his debut album Tribal Voice on his own Peace Company label. His relationship with Jackson Browne led him to other supporters like Kris Kristofferson, Bonnie Raitt, Indigo Girls, John Fogerty, Willie Nelson, and Bob Dylan. In 1986, the late legendary Kiowa guitarist, Jesse Ed Davis came up to him and said, “I can turn your poems into songs.” Together, they recorded three albums. Their first, AKA Graffiti Man, was released in 1986, and dubbed the "best album of the year" by Bob Dylan. AKA Graffiti Man served early notice of Trudell's "singular ability to express fundamental truths" through a unique mix of poetry, Native music, blues and rock. It was followed by But This Isn’t El Salavdor and Heart Jump Bouquet, both released in 1987. Kelly Ed Davis, wife of the late Jesse Ed Davis spoke of the incredible connection between John and Jesse in a documentary entitled, Trudell; "Immediately they were like brothers. They shared a common understanding of what it is to be an Indian in America. The work he (Jesse) did with John was some of the best work he ever did. That connection will go on throughout eternity."  Despite Jesse Ed Davis' untimely death in 1988, John Trudell would go on to release a total of fourteen albums, eight with his band, Bad Dog. Fables and Other Realities was released in 1991 featuring a collaboration with Mark Shark who would remain a consistent member of Bad Dog, Trudell remade and re-released A.K.A Grafitti Man which was originally on tape, as an audio CD. In 1992, he also released Children of the Earth: Child’s Voice. His 1994 album Johnny Damas & Me was critically acclaimed as "a culmination of years of poetic work, fusing traditional sounds, values, and sensibilities with thought-provoking lyrics, and urgent rock and roll." In 1998, John Trudell was honored as a Living Legend at the Inaugural Native American Music Awards which he called it, heart medicine. His other musical releases included; the multiple Native American Music Award-winning, Blue Indians (1999), the all spoken word effort, JT - Descendant Now Ancestor(2001) which he performed at the 8th Annual Native American Music Awards VIP party, Bone Dayswhich was which was produced by actress Angelina Jolie (2002), John Trudell & Bad Dog – Live à Fip, a rare live album recorded in Paris, France (2005), the double album, Madness and Moremes(2007), Crazier Than Hell (2010), and Through the Dust (2014). His latest album entitled, Wazi's Dream, was just released in 2015. John called it, "a mixing of poetry and singing and music." It was recently reported that John also collaborated with other groups including; A Tribe Called Red, and a band called The Pines. "Bad Dog is who I really work with" he said , "but I've gotten some opportunities to work with different artists, because I enjoy it. Anytime I can get this stuff out there, put to music, I enjoy it." John has authored three books of poetry. The 1999 release of Stickman: Poems, Lyrics, Talks edited by Paola Igliori brought international attention. His most recent book, called Lines from a Mined Mind, is a collection of his album lyrics over the decades and is currently a #1 Best Seller on Amazon.com. John's many celebrity fans and friends included; Bonnie Raitt, Jackson Browne, Bob Dylan, Kris Kristofferson, who paid tribute to Trudell with the 1995 song "Johnny Lobo," a tune Kristofferson still frequently performs live and Marcheline Bertrand, Angelina Jolie’s mother, who John partnered with as she dealt with cancer, which she succumbed to in 2007. Marcheline and Angelina also executive produced the 2005 documentary, Trudell, with Heather Rae. Trudell also played roles in a number of features films and made for television films, including 1992's Thunderheart with Val Kilmer and 1998's Smoke Signals with Adam Beach. In 2012, Trudell became the creator of Hempstead Project Heart (Hemp Energies Alternative Resource Technologies), a national initiative that creates awareness of the many uses of hemp as way of establishing a green economy in America. When it had first been reported that John was battling cancer, many reached out to express their love and appreciation. He responded back to them saying; "I appreciate all of your expressions of concern and I appreciate all of your expressions of love. It has been like a fire to my heart. Thank you all for that fire.” John Trudell and his family ask for people to celebrate love and celebrate life. He asked that people pray and celebrate in their own way in their own communities. "I don't want to tell people how to remember me. I want people to remember me as they remember me.”
So we are to remember John as we remember him. Here are some remembrances now circulating:  Remembering John "I was very saddened to hear of his death this morning and will always cherish the few brief times I got to spend with him. He was a very down to earth, inspiring and amazing man." Shyanne Chulyin Ch'ivaya Beatty Network Manager at Native Voice 1 (NV1) He helped spark a spoken word movement that is a continuation of Native American oral traditions...To define his voice and presence, words like empowering, authentic, intelligent, inspirational and necessary. He believed in the Spoken Word, that it had power. Alex Jacobs Indian Country Today Media Network I honor and thank this man for his words that changed my life as he embarks upon his journey home to be with our creator. Lance A. Gumbs Area Vice-President Northeast Region National Congress of the American Indian To John Trudell, my dear old friend and mentor of 30 years ago.
May your journey to the Creator be filled with beautiful memories
and insights of all those lives you touched.
With love always, Joanne & Leah Shenandoah and Doug George We lost a great Warrior today. My prayers are with the Trudell family in these hard times.
Heart is hurting but he is at peace. Ba-ma-mi-naa until we meet again Buggin Malone/Musician He was a hero to me and many others. Jennifer Elizabeth Kreisberg Thanking him & his family for their unselfish gift. All Nations loved him because he loved them. A warrior, Leader, Brother & Friend to all. Beaded Wing Today the thunderbirds took one of the greats home to watch over his people.
Rest in Paradise Joey Stylez/Musician It was an honor to have had the time to visit with him and stand with the Trudell family and be there through this time. John wanted the world to know he is not dead he's simply transformed energies and dimensions.
Thank you John! Cody Thomas Blackbird and from NAMA... A true leader. A fearless warrior. A master philosopher and a prophetic poet, unmatched, unequivocal and inimitable. We will miss his smile, his humble presence, and his profound greatness. He was an integral part of the Native American Music Awards since its inception and before. Thankfully, he has left us with his extraordinary gifts of music and words that will remain in our hearts and minds forever. Ellen Bello President, Native American Music Awards 
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NAMA News
NOVEMBER IS NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH
New York, NY - The Native American Music Awards & Association (NAMA) is proud to share with our membership that the month of November is National Native American Heritage Month. NAMA's website features a photo gallery entitled, "Did You Know They Are Native American" to raise awareness about the contributions made by Native Americans and descendants of Native Americans in the music, entertainment and sports industries.
Elvis Presley was honored by a tribal council for his positive portrayal
of a Native American in the movie Flaming Star from 1960. At the inaugural Native American Music Awards, Graceland confirmed Elvis Presley's Native American heritage. His great great great grandmother on his mother's side was reportedly a full blooded Cherokee Indian named Morning White Dove (1800 - 1835).
In 1990, President George H. W. Bush approved a joint resolution designating November 1990 "National American Indian Heritage Month." Similar proclamations, under various names including "Native American Heritage Month" and "National American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month" have been issued each year since. The Native American Music Association has received a letter of acknowledgement from 43rd President George W. Bush and a proclamation from former NYC Mayor Mike Bloomberg for our efforts.
For Immediate Release
Tom Ware Makes His Final Journey Home
Oklahoma City, OK - On Tuesday, November 3rd at 10:20am, Thomas Ware III announced on Facebook that his father, Tom Mauchahty-Ware, made his final journey home. Instead of grieving and turning it into a sad occasion, Tom Ware III asked that we celebrate the life his father lived. "Everyone has at least one good Tom Ware story, and those are how he would want everyone to remember him. No one could ever say Dad didn't live a full life, and I'm proud to say I spent a good deal of mine with him, on the road" he stated
.
Tom Mauchahty-Ware was a Kiowa Comanche musician who sang both beautiful traditional Comanche and Kiowa songs and played contemporary blues music. He is known for his distinguished work playing the Native American flute, was original member of the world renowned American Indian dance theater, and was a member of the popular blues band, Blues Nation and the Wild Band of Comanches. He was also a skilled traditional artist in; painting, sculpting, flute making, bead working, and feather working. He is a descendent of the famous Kiowa flutist, Belo Cozad, and released two commercial recordings, "Flute Songs of the Kiowa and Comanche" in 1978, and "The Traditional and Contemporary Indian Flute of Tom Mauchahty Ware" in 1983.
Tom Mauchahty-Ware was featured in the film, "Songkeepers" which was originally released in 1999, and rereleased in 2010 and directed by Bob Hercules and Bob Jackson and produced by Dan King. "Songkeepers" features five distinguished traditional flute artists; Sonny Nevaquaya, R. Carlos Nakai, Hawk Littlejohn, Kevin Locke and Tom Mauchahty-Ware who all share stories about their instrument and their songs and the role of the flute in their tribes. Both Nevaquay, a NAMA Hall of Fame inductee, and Littlejohn have also journeyed to the spirit world.
To watch Songkeepers click on the link below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PF5AM3JJ8g0
Founded in 1990 by Tom Machauty-Ware (Kiowa/Comanche), Blues Nation recently reunited and played at concerts and festivals across the Great Plains and beyond. Original band members Tom Ware, Terry Tsotigh (Kiowa), Sonny Klinekole (Kiowa/Comanche/Apache), and Obie Sullivan (Mvskoke Creek) were joined by Johnny Johnson, sax, and Cecil Gray (Kiowa), guitar. Blues Nation performed both originals and songs of past and present. Their recorded collection of original compositions entitled, "Blues Nation" released on Red Hands Music in 2000, received a Native American Music Award nomination as one of the Best Blues Albums of the Year.
Condolences can be posted on Facebook at:
RIP Tom Ware
https://www.facebook.com/groups/138991563123039/
On behalf of the Native American Music Awards, we send our love and condolences to the Ware family.
For Immediate Release
September 15, 2015
JANA MASHONEE LAUNCHES NEW SINGLE,
ROCKET LAUNCH
Multiple Award winner, Jana Mashonee has spent some time revamping her music style and has finally finished her new album that she's been working on for the past year.
Her new music video of her latest single entitled, "Rocket Launch" can be viewed by clicking on the following link:
For Release
Son of Bill Miller, Garrett Miller, a multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and worship leader
was killed in an accident. He was 29 years old.
March 12, 2015 - Nashville, TN. Last Friday, a young musician walked out onto Interstate 65 in Cool Springs and was struck by a speeding car. He was 26-year-old Garrett Miller, the son of Native American musician Bill Miller.
Miller had been a musician since childhood — his father, Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Bill Miller, first taught him to play guitar when Garrett Miller was still in elementary school. By the time he graduated from Franklin High, he had fully immersed himself in the local music community, playing and recording with Belmont University students in between classes.In 2012, he formed the indie-folk Christian band Vonagarden ("vona" meaning "to hope" in Icelandic). For the past several years, he had been performing worship music in a number of churches around Franklin. "For Garrett, music was an instrument of peace and healing," explained his father. Motivated by fellowship, not finances, Garrett used his musical gifts to bring people together, whether it was through the worship services he led at church, or making music with other local artists.
He leaves behind his daughter, his wife, four siblings, and his mother and father. A funeral service that honor his faith and Native American heritage will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Friday at Grace Chapel in Leiper's Fork. Several of Mr. Miller's relatives from Washington and the Stockbridge-Munsee Reservation in Wisconsin are traveling to Nashville to perform an honor dance in his memory. The service will also include a Native American ceremony in which Mr. Miller's wife will be presented with three eagle feathers, a flute and a special blessing. A visitation will be held from 3:30-4:30 p.m.
This summer, Mr. Miller was to participate in a naming ritual that would bestow upon him a Native American name. It was, according to his father, a moment Garrett Miller had been anticipating for years. On Friday evening, his loved ones will hold that ceremony for him.
NAMA News Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NAMALIVE@aol.com
R. Carlos Nakai’s Canyon Trilogy
Is Certified Platinum By The RIAA;
Marking 1,000,000 in Sales
Plus A Look At Nielsen Music's Biggest Selling
Native American Artists To Date
New York, NY - The
Native American Music Association (NAMA) is proud to announce that multi-award winner and Lifetime Achievement recipient,
R. Carlos Nakai has achieved 1,000,000 units in sales of his 1989 Canyon Records release entitled,
Canyon Trilogy, and has been certified Platinum by the
Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). NAMA extends its sincerest congratulations to R. Carlos Nakai and the Canyon Records label.
R. Carlos Nakai has received numerous nominations and awards from the Native American Music Awards including; Best Flutist in 1998, Best Male Artist in 1998, Best Instrumental Recording in 2000, Best Flutist in 2001, Best New Age Recording in 2003, and Best World Music Recording in 2006 with the R. Carlos Nakai Quartet. In 2001, the Native American Music Association presented him with a Lifetime Achievement Award.
In 1983, Nakai signed with the Arizona-based independent label, Canyon Records and released his debut recording,
Changes. To date, Nakai has released a total of more than 50 albums in his career, 40 of them with Canyon, and sold more than 4.3 million albums. His
Earth Spirit recording, released in 1987, was certified Gold in 2001 and the
Canyon Trilogy recording, released in 1989, was certified Gold in 1998 by the RIAA. Produced by Robert Doyle, president of Canyon Records,
Canyon Trilogy features 17 music tracks of the cedar flute with three tracks of an overdubbed second flute. By using the Roland SDE 3000 Digital Delay system, Nakai was able to play duets with his own echo.
Nakai has stated that most of his inspiration comes from the expressions of native communities and his desire to preserve his own Native American heritage. He has explored many genres with the traditional Native American flute including world, classical, jazz and new age music. He has also collaborated with a Japanese folk ensemble and the
Philadelphia Orchestra's Israeli cellist Udi Bar-David. He has worked with American composer
Philip Glass, Tibetan flutist
Nawang Khechog, flutist Paul Horn, and Hawaiian slack key guitar master
Keola Beamer.
The RIAA is the country’s music trade association whose member companies are responsible for creating, manufacturing, or distributing approximately 85 percent of all music sold in the United States. The RIAA® Gold® and Platinum® Awards program was launched in 1958 to honor artists and create a standard by which to measure national sales of a sound recording. The Gold album award is for the sale of 500,000 copies. The Platinum award, which was created in 1976 with the advent of the compact disc is for 1,000,000 in sales. Certifications are undertaken when the label or artist has requested certification after certain sales thresholds have been met nationally. The RIAA award programs are the longest-running objective measure of achievement for sound recordings in the United States, and provide an unmatched historical perspective on the success of countless recording artists.
Although the RIAA does not track recordings by genre or ethnicity, it appears that no other Native American recording artist has achieved 1,000,000 in sales with RIAA certification for a traditional-based Native American music recording. Other commercial recordings, whether Native American inspired, or by contemporary artists of Native American heritage, have been certified for Gold and Platinum, but none for sales of a traditional work.
Originally released in 1971, the all American rock group,
Paul Revere & The Raiders were certified Platinum by the RIAA for their classic #1 single,
Indian Reservation (The Lament of the Cherokee Reservation Indian) in 1996. But no one in the group was Native American and the single contained no traditional instrumentation.
The Native American Pop group,
Redbone, and NAMA Hall of Fame Inductees, which featured brothers Pat and Lolly Vegas (Yaqui and Shoshone) and Tony Bellamy (Yaqui) were certified Gold in 1974 for their hit single,
Come And Get Your Love. The song was also featured on the
Guardians of the Galaxy 70’s inspired soundtrack which was just certified Platinum on January 7, 2015.
NAMA Lifetime Achievement Award recipient,
Rita Coolidge (Cherokee), received several Gold and Platinum awards. Her singles,
Higher and Higher, Were All Alone, and Anytime,
Anywhere and her album
Love Me Again all went Gold in 1977 and 1978. The album
Anytime, Anywhere was also certified Platinum in 1977. In more recent years, Rita has recorded traditionally-based Native American music with her late sister and niece as
Walela, who have received multiple Native American Music Awards and are in the top 10 of the highest selling Native American albums in Nielsen Music’s sales data.
NAMA Hall of Famer,
Janice Marie Johnson (Stockbridge-Munsee-Mohican) was certified Gold for her penned singles with her group, A Taste of Honey, for
Boogie Oogie Oogie and
Sukiyaki in 1978 and 1981. The international Pop hit,
Boogie Oogie Oogie was also certified Platinum in 1978.
Robbie Robertson (Mohawk), and NAMA Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, was certified Gold for his self-titled recording,
Robbie Robertson in 1988. He has also released two Native American recordings featuring himself and various other traditional Native American artists entitled
, Music For The Native Americans in 1994
, and
Contact From the Underworld of Red Boy in 1998. Music For the Native Americans is the #1 best-selling Native American album reported by Nielsen Music with over 233,000 albums.
The 1994 international release of
Sacred Spirit: Chants and Dances of Native America featuring an ambient, electronic, new age compilation of sampled Native American chants is reported to have sold over seven million copies worldwide, but has never been Gold or Platinum in the United States. The first single by Navajo elder,
Kee Chee Jake from Chinle, Arizona, entitled,
Yeha-Noha (Wishes of Happiness and Prosperity) is said to have catapulted the recording into Billboard’s Hot 100 and leveraged its international appeal in such countries as France, Italy and the UK.
Other soundtracks from the motion picture films;
Dances With Wolves and
Last of the Mohicans which took on the perspective of Native Americans, have both been certified Gold and Platinum by 1993 and 1995, but are void of any traditional or contemporary Native American music.
Nielsen Music is another music industry measuring standard using SoundScan, a sales tracking system. For more than two decades,
Nielsen Music has been a trusted and vital resource for companies that want a full picture of music sales, overall market performance and artist activity. Nielsen’s SoundScan has been a source for the
Billboard music charts and radio play. Their data is collected from 14,000 retail, mass merchant, and non-traditional outlets (on-line stores, venues, digital music services, etc.) not only in the United States, but also in Canada, UK and Japan. According to Nielsen Music, the top three largest selling Native American recordings are;
Music For the Native Americans by Robbie Robertson, Things We Do by Indigenous and R. Carlos Nakai’s
Canyon Trilogy. Nakai’s
Emergence and
Earth Spirit recordings follow suit along with Walela’s debut recording,
Walela and
Music From A Painted Cave by Robert Mirabal. Collectively,
Sacred Spirit’s three releases in 1995, 2007, and 2011 total 219,000,
Buffy Sainte-Marie has sold a total of 104,000 and
Joanne Shenandoah has sold 89,000 albums exclusively at SoundScan retail outlets.
RIAA numbers may effectively represent sales at a wholesale level and Neilsen Music’s Soundscan represents the retail level. An album may easily be certified Gold or Platinum before it’s retail sales numbers actually reflect it on Soundscan. RIAA also treats physical and digital sales separately, while Soundscan counts only by UPC code. Additionally, many Native American music recordings are released through small and independent labels using various distributors and may escape conventional retail outlets. However, Native American music recordings remain strong among both measuring systems.
As the world’s foremost performer of the Native American flute, Nakai celebrated his first Platinum Record with a commemorative concert at the Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) Theater in Phoenix, Arizona on Friday, January 23, 2015. He presented his Platinum Record to the Museum for inclusion in his exhibit in their Artist Gallery. Joining Nakai at the MIM were his long time collaborators, William Eaton (harp guitar) and Will Clipman (world ethnic percussion/drums). Both Eaton and Clipman have performed and recorded with Nakai for more than 25 years. Nakai also invited Tony Duncan, labelmate and a leading Native American flute player and world championship hoop dancer to share the stage. Classical composer/pianist James DeMars was also invited to perform, “Lake That Speaks,” the second movement on the
Two World Concerto recordin along with collaborator, composer and pianist Peter Kater whose latest joint release,
Ritual (Mysterium Records), has been nominated for Best New Age Album in this year’s Grammys.
Founded and incorporated in 1998, The Native American Music Association and annual Awards program, the Native American Music Awards (NAMA), are the world’s first and only professional membership-based organization dedicated to American Indigenous music initiatives by Native North Americans. NAMA members are responsible for creating, producing, manufacturing and distributing traditional and contemporary Native American music.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Ellen Bello (917) 468-1176Belloellen@aol.comwww.NAMALIVE.comCOMMEMORATE NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH WITH A BROADCAST OF NATIVE AMERICA’S BIGGEST CELEBRATION OF MUSICSatellite Feed Going Out Thanksgiving Day and Saturday
Devoted to bringing Indigenous music to the world's consciousness.
NY TIMES
It's time to start taking Native American music seriously.
USA Today
There is no better indication of the remarkable variety of today's
Native American music than a glance at the Native American Music Awards.
Billboard Magazine
The best music created by Indigenous artists in all its variety and excellence.
Indian Country Today Media Network
From the extraordinary rock ballads of Jim Boyd to the powerful tenor Lawrence Harris the comedy of puppeteer Buddy Big Mountain and the emotional vocals of Jamie Coon; the artists featured are without exception in command of the stage and show just how good Native artists can be.
News From Indian Country
Hosted by multi-platinum selling recording artist,
A Taste of Honey's Janice Marie Johnson, the
15th Annual Native American Music Awards (NAMA) will be available to broadcast through FNX-TV, First Nations Experience this Thursday, Thanksgiving Day November 27th at 8PM EST/5PM PST with a repeat broadcast on Saturday, November 29, 2014 at the same time.
The FNX satellite feed can be previewed at SD08 on the Public Television Interconnect (Satellite) System. FNX parent station KVCR-PBS in San Bernardino, CA will broadcast a captioned version of the show on December 27th @ 9PM (PST).
Located inside the Allegany Indian Reservation, a territory of the Seneca Nation of Indians (one of the six tribes of the Iroquois Confederacy), the 15th Annual Native American Music Awards was held at the Seneca Allegany Events Center at the Seneca Allegany Casino & Hotel in Salamanca, New York. Featured performers include: Seven-time award winner
Indigenous, fronted by Mato Nanji whose has toured with BB King and whose music has been featured on national radio and TV shows; Season three
American Idol finalist
Charly Lowry and her award-winning band,
Dark Water Rising, former NFL player and opera singer,
Lawrence Harris, who has been critically acclaimed as a "major voice" by the
NY Times and received a standing ovation; and
Jamie Coon, whose music has been heard on the TV Show
Ghost Whisperer, plus witness the first time a contemporary drummer beats along to two pow wow drum groups and much more.
The Native American Music Awards is the country's largest celebration of both traditional and contemporary Native American music. It was founded as the world's first and only professional membership-based organization for the advancement & recognition of Native American music expressions around the world.
The awards show will also be available at
www.fnx.org/namas2014 simultaneously to the television broadcast.
NELLY FURTADO FEATURES CHAMPION HOOP DANCER & NAMA NOMINEETONY DUNCAN AT THE BILLBOARD MUSIC AWARDS AND IN MUSIC VIDEO 
After a string of mesmerizing performances at the 2012 Billboard Music Awards, on The Tonight Show With Jay Leno, and in her new music video, "Big Hoops", Award-winning singer-songwriter,
Nelly Furtado, will once again feature World Champion Hoop Dancer,
Tony Duncan in her live performance at the 2012 Much Music Awards (MMVAs) on June 17th. The 2012 MMVAs will be broadcast live at 9 p.m. ET, on the Much Music channel in Canada and on Fuse in the U.S..
At the 2012 Billboard Music Awards, Nelly Furtado debuted her new single “Big Hoops (Bigger The Better)” in a live performance and featured Tony Duncan and his brother Kevin Duncan on stage hoop dancing in traditional regalia. Furtado also performed “Big Hoops” on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno where the Duncan brothers hoop danced in black clothing for that appearance. The official music video for “Big Hoops” also features Tony Duncan (Apache/Mandan-Arikara-Hidatsa) with brother Kevin and Tony’s wife Violet Duncan (Plains Cree). Tony Duncan has just released his own solo recording entitled, Earth Warrior (Canyon Records).
Pete Seeger, Friend of the Iroquois
The world knew Pete Seeger, who died on January 27, as a human rights activist, a defender of the earth, an advocate for universal peace and one of the most prolific and creative musicians in American history. He was the composer of songs which have now become folk music standards: 'Where Have All the Flowers Gone", "Turn, Turn, Turn", "If I Had a Hammer", "Good Night Irene" and the civil rights protest ballad "We Shall Overcome".
From his youth he demonstrated compassion for the oppressed, travelling across the country with his five string banjo hitchhiking on backcountry roads or riding the rails. He visited mining camps and sang to labor unions. When he was condemned as a communist by the US federal government and blacklisted by the mainstream entertainment industry he went to the schools and secured a living performing at colleges and whenever an event called for a musician to rally the people.
He was a primary influence on Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, Bruce Springsteen and thousands of others. He was a friend to Native people, making sure indigenous performers had a national stage to show their abilities. His Clearwater Festival attracted tens of thousands to the shore of the Hudson River, a waterway which was notoriously polluted until Seeger launched his movement to clean it of contaminants a generation ago. His sloop "The Clearwater" educated thousands of children on their environmental responsibilities by giving them a direct connection with the river.
Seeger cited the Mohawk teacher Ray Fadden-Tehanetorens as the man who turned his attention to the natural world. Ostracized by most other musicians during the 1950's Seeger found his way into the northern Adirondacks where he met Fadden. He was educated about Iroquois history and philosophy during sessions which included Fadden teaching Seeger a canoe paddling song. It was that song which Seeger performed in June, 2013 at the Clearwater Festival, one of his last public performances.
Seeger also encouraged Oneida Nation musician Joanne Shenandoah. She was one of his favorite artists. He shared the stage with her on many occasions including a remarkable set with the late Odetta ten years ago, at Madison Square Garden for his 90th Birthday on May 3, 2009, and in 2012 when he, Shenandoah and Patti Smith sang at Cooper Union Hall in New York City for a human rights event. When asked last year as to which performance he wanted to attend he elected to hear Joanne Shenandoah, standing on the side of the stage for her entire hour long set.
Seeger was also ready to stand with the Iroquois on many issues. He did fundraisers for many Native groups. In 1988 he joined the late Floyd Red Crow Westerman to raise support for Akwesasne Notes at a concert in Albany, NY and last year lent his efforts to encourage the Two Row Wampum campaign.
Seeger's wife of 70 years, Toshi Seeger, died last July. Surviving the couple are their children: Daniel, Tinya and Mika along with his sisters Peggy and Barbara. He leaves eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
A COMPILATION CD TO BENEFIT & HONOR THE WOLF NOW RELEASED
New York, NY — The Native American Music Association, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) has just released a special benefit CD entitled, WOLF, featuring songs from award-winning and nominated recording artists in an effort to honor and pay tribute to the wolf, especially the Gray Wolf which may become delisted as an endangered species.
The WOLF CD is being released nationally on Thursday, January 16th or during a full Wolf Moon referred to by Native Peoples because wolves could be heard howling and echoing on the clear moonlit snow-covered nights of January. The WOLF CD retails for $9.99 and is available nationally for purchase through Amazon.com. The CD is also available on the NAMA website www.NAMALIVE.com as a digital download or hard copy.
WOLF features songs by various tribal nation voices and wolf clan members including; Jack Gladstone (Blackfeet), Jimmy Lee Young (Mayan) & international Swiss artist Davide Buzzi, Joanne Shenandoah (Oneida), Joe Firecrow (Northern Cheyenne), Lee Plentywolf & The PlentyWolf Singers (Lakota), The Gray Wolf Blues Band (Yaqui), Jan Michael Looking Wolf (Grand Ronde), Bobby Bullet St Germaine (Lac du Flambeau), Austrian group Big City Indians, world music duo Painted Raven, Rushingwind & Mucklow (Cashuilla/Opata), Silverwolf (Cherokee), a special bonus track for the download version by Wade Fernandez (Menominee) and more including artist Cal Silverfox's (Apache') own little set of howling wolf pups he's helping to raise which can be heard on the CD.
The CD which aims to honor and pay tribute to the wolf, will be donated as a fundraiser for the NY Wolf Conservation Center (http://www.nywolf.org) and other wildlife organizations who fear that a delisting of the Gray Wolf's endangerd species protection by the US Fish & Wildlife service is premature in its recovery and will leave it subject to recreational hunting and trapping.
The concept behind the CD was sparked when NAMA Founder, Ellen Bello, was invited by the Endangered Species Coalition (www.endangeredspecies.org) to contribute to their celebratory book, Wild Success, The Endangered Species Act at 40, and following a visit with Ambassador Wolf, Atka, at the NY Wolf Conservation Center who was recently featured on NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams.
Native American music was distinctly born outdoors and is expressly connected to the nature world and all related living things. Many animals of which have become endangered species, including the Gray wolf, are revered and respected and continue to be sung about.
Wildlife organizations and wholesalers interested in selling the CD should contact NAMA. The Native American Music Association which also presents the annual Native American Music Awards is the world's largest professional membership-based organization for contemporary and traditional Native American music initiatives. The NY Times has stated that Bello and the Native American Music Association "are devoted to bringing Native American music to the world's consciousness".
# # #
NAMA CEO & FOUNDER CONTRIBUTES TO A BOOK
CELEBRATING 40 YEARS OF THE ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT
New York, NY — Native American Music Awards & Association Founder and CEO, Ellen Bello, has recently contributed to a book entitled, Wild Success: The Endangered Species Act at 40, celebrating 40 years of the Act and published by the Endangered Species Coalition. Never before has a such a wide range of authors written together about protecting threatened and endangered wildlife.
Bello is among other contributors which include conservation leaders as well as new voices for wildlife; actor Ed Begley Jr, Carter Roberts of the World Wildlife Fund, Jamie Rappaport of Defenders of Wildlife, Pulitzer Prize Winner Mary Oliver, Co-founder Save our Wild Salmon Pat Ford, CEO of Greenpeace Phil Radford, Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, President & CEO The Humane Society of the United States Wayne Pacelle, Explorer and Environmental Advocate Phillippe Cousteau, and the late President Richard Nixon who signed the Act in 1973.
By having a diverse range of voices in the book, the Endangered Species Coalition hopes to demonstrate that Americans from all walks of life care about endangered plants and animals while continuing to make an impact on the long-term protections of threatened and endangered species. This past November, the Endangered Species Coalition shared the book with important decision-makers at the Library of Congress in Washington, DC and honored Endangered Species Act heroes which included many members of Congress.
Bello's contribution expresses the close relationship Native American musicians hold with nature. She states, "When you look into the eyes of nature, there is an undeniable and inherent sense of strength, beauty, knowledge and skill. Those same senses are clearly honored and expressed by artists in both contemporary and traditional Native American music initiatives. Native American song is integrally linked with our natural surroundings and various animal species. " Bello closes by commending the Endangered Species Act and reminds us, "As humans, only we have the ability and power to protect our wildlife from facing extinction."
Recording artist and NAMA nominee, Michael Scott Serna, 56, of Chattanooga, Tennessee, made his journey home to the arms of his Creator on November 3, 2013, at 11:05 a.m. He was surrounded by the love of his wife and daughters at his home in Chattanooga Tennessee.
Mike was born May 15, 1957 in Los Angeles, California to Marshall S. Serna & Elaine M. Schuetz. A Mescalero Apache-Gabrieleno Native American, Mike was an accomplished flutist, flute maker, songwriter, educator, poet, dancer and brother to all who knew him. Mike was a Veteran of the U.S. Army, 1975-76 Berlin Brigade.
As a musician, Mike had many successful CD releases: 2004 Clouds in The Pass; 2006 Music In My Soul; 2009 Warriors Last Breath (which received a NAMMY nomination); and 2013 Never Surrrender with musician and brother Ace Bailey. Mike was the 2006 winner of The Musical Echoes Flute Competition, Ft. Walton Beach, FL. Mike was a Tennessee Eagle Award Recipient in 2006 and 2013. Mike often volunteered to perform for functions which benefitted children and the elderly, as well as other nonprofit causes. He also contributed to the 2004-2005 Rolling Thunder Veterans Wall documentary. A bright touching spirit, Mike touched the hearts of all whom he met.
Mike is survived by his wife Judy Serna of Chattanooga TN; daughters Laela Serna of Chickamauga GA and Adrianna Serna of Rossville GA; father and step mother Marshall (Tall Eagle) and Lauretta Serna of Woodburn, Oregon; mother Elaine M. Schuetz of Morongo Valley California; sisters Elizabeth Serna, Rebecca LoGiudice,and Trish Serna-Carver; brothers Brian Bowman and Scott Serna; nieces Kesha Serna and Crystal Welden, as well as many other nieces, nephews and cousins, as well as special brothers Ace Bailey, Danny Green, Kirby McCloud, and Larry Wyatt, and adopted sister Michelle Wiggins and his sisters of Table C. Mike was preceded in death by brothers Paul E Serna and Rick Serna.
A small private celebration of Mike's life will be held soon at which time Mikes ashes will be scattered to soar with his brothers Paul and Rick. Details of a public life celebration will be announced at a later date.
Mike will be sadly missed by his family, friends, the Native Nation and all who were touched by his music. He was Indigenous, a Husband, a Father, a Brother and an inspiration to all who met him. His legacy will long outlive our days upon this path, and his music will forever travel softly through the wind. Rest in peace sweet brother, our paths will cross again.
Sharing again Mikes favorite quote... I am but a hole in a flute, that the Divines breath blows through. Listen to this music - Hafiz 1320-1389
Serenity Funeral Home, of Cleveland Tennessee is in charge of arrangements
SON OF 2012 HOST TED NOLAN
WINS STANLEY CUP WITH LA KINGS
Story courtesy NHL.com
Los Angeles -- There he was, a proud hockey dad on the ice, hugging his kid and searching for more of his family members that were trying to get down to join him. The former coach of the Sabres and Islanders never had this dream of watching his youngest son win the Stanley Cup. But he lived it at the Staples Center. The father of Kings rookie Jordan Nolan celebrated like every other ecstatic father of a Kings player or coach after Los Angeles' Cup-clinching 6-1 win against New Jersey.
Ted Nolan couldn't imagine feeling any better than he did in that moment. "I've been fortunate to do some things in life, but nothing compares to watching your son do it," he said. "I never would have dreamed about this in my life. That was a great feeling, to watch your son go through something like this -- being a parent versus being a coach and walking through it with him. It was a great experience and I'll never forget it." Jordan Nolan told NHL.com, "Having him here is really special. He's a big part of that, so it's definitely great." Ted Nolan still is a coach, most recently leading Latvia at the 2012 IIHF World Championship. He's won 147 games in four seasons as a coach in the NHL.
RUSSELL MEANS WALKS ON
Russell Means lived a life like few others in this century – a true warrior with remarkable bravery and a legacy of strength. The L.A. Times has called him the most famous American Indian since Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse. An inspirational visionary, Russell Means will remain one of the most magnetic voices in America. He encompassed tremendous character and ability in multiple mediums on all fronts; whether as a co-founder of A.I.M., leading a protest, fighting for constitutional rights, starring in a motion picture, or performing his "rap-ajo" music through two national recordings, Electric Warrior, released in 1993 and The Radical, released in 2009 which he described as "a Tribal Experience that included all genres of music: classical, country & western rock-n-roll, hard rock, hip-hop, rhythm & blues, jazz and the blues". See NAMA news for more
RUSSELL MEANS WALKS ON
Russell C. Means, the charismatic Oglala Sioux who helped revive the warrior image of the American Indian in the 1970s died on Monday at his ranch in Porcupine, S.D., on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. He was 72. The cause was esophageal cancer, said Glenn Morris, Mr. Means’s legal representative.
Russell Means lived a life like few others in this century – a true warrior with remarkable bravery who was a legacy of strength. He devoted his life to eliminating racism of any kind, and in so doing left a historical imprint as the most revolutionary Indian leader of the late twentieth century. The L.A. Times has called him the most famous American Indian since Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse. An inspirational visionary, Russell Means will remain one of the most magnetic voices in America.
He encompassed tremendous character and ability in multiple mediums on all fronts; whether as a co-founder of A.I.M., leading a protest, fighting for constitutional rights, starring in a motion picture, or performing his "rap-ajo" music through two national recordings, Electric Warrior, released in 1993 and The Radical ; released in 2009 which he described as a Tribal Experience that included all genres of music: classical, country & western rock-n-roll, hard rock, hip-hop, rhythm & blues, jazz and the blues. He also acted in dozens of movies — most notably in a principal role in “The Last of the Mohicans” (1992).
He rose to national attention as a leader of the American Indian Movement in 1970 by directing a band of Indian protesters who seized the Mayflower II ship replica at Plymouth, Mass., on Thanksgiving Day. The boisterous confrontation between Indians and costumed “pilgrims” attracted network television coverage and made Mr. Means an overnight hero to dissident Indians and sympathetic whites. Later, he orchestrated an Indian prayer vigil atop Mount Rushmore, S.D., to dramatize Lakota claims to Black Hills land. In 1972, he organized cross-country caravans converging on Washington to protest a century of broken treaties. He also attacked the “Chief Wahoo” mascot of the Cleveland Indians baseball team, a toothy Indian caricature that he called racist and demeaning. And in a 1973 protest covered by the national news media for months, he led hundreds of Indians and white sympathizers in an occupation of Wounded Knee, S.D. In the ensuing 71-day standoff with federal agents, thousands of shots were fired, two Indians were killed and an agent was paralyzed. Mr. Means and his fellow protest leader Dennis Banks were charged with assault, larceny and conspiracy. But after a long federal trial, the case was dismissed by a judge for prosecutorial misconduct.
Mr. Means later faced other legal battles and survived several gunshots, and commemorated the centennial of Gen. George Armstrong Custer’s last stand at Little Big Horn in Montana in 1876, the nation’s most famous defeat of the Indian wars. In 1987, Mr. Means ran for president. He sought the Libertarian Party nomination but lost to Ron Paul, a former and future congressman from Texas. Mr. Means retired from the American Indian Movement in 1988. In 1989, he told Congress that there was “rampant graft and corruption” in tribal governments and federal programs assisting American Indians.
Mr. Means began his acting career in 1992 with “The Last of the Mohicans,” Michael Mann’s adaptation of the James Fenimore Cooper novel, in which he played Chingachgook opposite Daniel Day-Lewis and Madeleine Stowe. Over two decades he appeared in more than 30 films and television productions, including “Natural Born Killers” (1994) and “Pathfinder” (2007). He also recorded CDs, including “Electric Warrior: The Sound of Indian America” (1993), and wrote a memoir, “Where White Men Fear to Tread” (1995, with Marvin J. Wolf).
Russell Charles Means was born on the Pine Ridge reservation on Nov. 10, 1939, the oldest of four sons of Harold and Theodora Feather Means. The Anglo-Saxon surname was that of a great-grandfather. He was married and divorced four times and had nine children. He also adopted many others following Lakota tradition. His fifth marriage, to Pearl Daniels, was in 1999, and she survives him.
Folk Singer, Woodstock Legend & Blackfoot Indian Richie Havens Walks On
Havens at NAMA Press Conference & Performing Hendrix tribute at the First Awards
New York, NY – Folk singer, activist, and famed opening act at the 1969 Woodstock music festival who was part Blackfoot Indian,
Richie Havens, died of a heart attack on April 22, 2013, Earth Day, at the age of 72.
Richie Havens offered his commitment both as a Blackfoot Indian and as a performer at Native American Music Awards. He proclaimed his Native American heritage at the lower Manhattan at a press conference announcing the launch of the Native American Music Awards on April 22, 1998, exactly 15 years ago. He was also asked by the family of the late Jimi Hendrix to perform a musical tribute for Hendrix’s induction into the N.A.M.A. Hall of Fame at the First Awards ceremony held in May 1998 at the Foxwoods Resort & Casino. Havens gave a magical and stellar performance of "All Along The Watchtower" that “catapulted the Awards show into something truly spiritual and spectacular” recalls N.A.M.A. President and Founder, Ellen Bello. His mesmerizing and unforgettable performance included a medley of Hendrix songs.
Havens said his Native American heritage came from his father’s side of the family who came from the Montana and South Dakota area. In an interview with National Public Radio he stated, “They were Blackfoot Indian. They came with Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show, got off in New York City, and left the show there and ended up on the Shinnecock Reservation in Long Island and moved to Brooklyn. And that’s how my father was born in Brooklyn and how I ended up being born in Brooklyn as well.”
Havens’ Mixed Bag II Cd released in 1974 on his own label, Stormy Forest Productions also hinted at his Blackfoot heritage. The song, “Indian Prayer” celebrates and embraces his Native American roots.
Standing at 6 feet 6 inches, Havens was best known for distinctively intense, rhythmic guitar style and soulful songs. He recorded 30 albums and toured for over 40 years before retiring from the road 3 years ago. Those who have met Havens will remember his gentle and compassionate nature, his light humor and his powerful presence.
He told Billboard Magazine that that his breakthrough at Woodstock came after the opening acts’ equipment got stuck in traffic. He was supposed to be the fifth act. He became the first act and played for three hours. Havens remembered, " They're gonna kill me if I go up on stage first. Give me a break. I need those four people in front of me to warm up the crowd. But the people were great. I was supposed to sing 40 minutes, which I did, and from the side of the stage they go, 'Richie, four more songs?' I went back and did that, then it was, 'Four more songs...' and that kept happening 'til two hours and 45 minutes later I had sung every song I know." He played a galvanizing set that included "Motherless Child" that merged into his song "Freedom," which he said came from “a totally spontaneous place.”
Havens’ Woodstock appearance earned him widespread notoriety and proved to be a major turning point in his career and gave him his highest-charting albums -- "Richard P. Havens, 1983" in 1969 (No. 80 on the Billboard 200) and "Alarm Clock" in 1971 (No. 29).
Stephen Stills of Crosby, Stills and Nash said Havens was an inspiration for the natural gravel in his singing voice. "He lit fire when he started playing within the first song and burned exactly the same way throughout his set. And it never stopped, it never changed," Stills said.
According to media reports, a public memorial for Havens will be announced at a later date. More information can be found at Havens' official website,
www.richiehavens.com. Havens is survived by three daughters, five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
QUEEN OF COUNTRY MUSIC AND NAMA HALL OF FAMER, KITTY WELLS PASSES ONKitty Wells, the "Queen of Country Music" who opened the door for a host of other country female artists, died on Monday at her home in Nashville of complications from a stroke. She was 92.
Wells, born as Ellen Muriel Deason, actually began performing on local radio in Nashville, but her ascent to stage stardom began in 1937 with husband Johnnie Wright, half of the duo Johnnie & Jack. He died in 2011.
Both Kitty Wells (Cherokee) and her husband Johnnie Wright attended the Fifth Annual Native American Music Awards in 2005, where Kitty was inducted into the N.A.M.A. Hall of Fame. The show was hosted by Crystal Gayle (Cherokee).
Kitty Wells was the first female singer to reach the top of the country charts with her 1952 song "It Wasn't God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels," an answer to Hank Thompson's "The Wild Side of Life".
Wells was born in Nashville to a musical family. While she performed with her husband as a girl singer in the 1940s, he began calling her "Kitty Wells," a name taken from a 19th century folk song.
In addition to her hit song, "It Wasn't God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels," which sold 800,000 copies in its initial release in the summer of 1952, Wells sang "Release Me," "Making Believe," "I Can't Stop Loving You" among other classic songs. She garnered 35 Billboard Top Ten records and 81 charted singles.
Wells was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1976. Among her many honors, she was given the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1991, the same year as Bob Dylan and John Lennon were honored. She was just the third country singer to be get that most prestigious award, after Hank Williams and Roy Acuff.
Several years after her appearance at the Fifth Annual Native American Music Awards, Kitty finally gave up touring in 2007 and continued to live a quiet life.
Among those mourning her passing was Loretta Lynn. "Kitty Wells will always be the greatest female country singer of all times," said Lynn. "She truly is the Queen of Country Music."
Funeral services were held on Friday, July 20, 2012 at the Hendersonville Church of Christ, 107 Rockland Road Hendersonville, TN 37075
For more information visit, www.KittyWells.com
NELLY FURTADO FEATURES CHAMPION HOOP DANCER & NAMA NOMINEE TONY DUNCAN AT THE MUCH MUSIC AWARDS After a string of mesmerizing performances at the 2012 Billboard Music Awards and on The Tonight Show With Jay Leno, Award-winning singer-songwriter, Nelly Furtado, will feature World Champion Hoop Dancer, Tony Duncan once again in her live performance at the 2012 Much Music Awards (MMVAs) on June 17th. The 2012 MMVAs will be broadcast live at 9 p.m. ET, on the Much Music channel in Canada and on Fuse in the U.S..
At the 2012 Billboard Music Awards, Nelly Furtado debuted her new single “Big Hoops (Bigger The Better)” in a live performance and featured Tony Duncan and his brother Kevin Duncan on stage who were wearing hoop dancing in traditional regalia. Furtado also performed “Big Hoops” on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno where the Duncan brothers hoop danced in contemporary all black clothing for that appearance. The official video music video for “Big Hoops” also features Tony Duncan with brother Kevin and Tony’s wife Violet Duncan (Plains Cree). The song, which is about fashion and earrings, will be featured on Furtado’s highly anticipated forthcoming album, The Spirit Indestructible (Interscope), due out in September. “This album is all about positivity, youth, good energy, and the relentlessness of the spirit” says Furtado about her first US release since 2006.
Tony Duncan (Apache/Mandan-Arikara-Hidatsa) has just released his own solo recording entitled, Earth Warrior (Canyon Records). Duncan’s new recording takes you on an endless journey of love songs with the soft blend of the Native American flute. Furtado tweeted about Duncan’s Earth Warrior to her 2.6 million Twitter followers. MP3 Downloads are available from Amazon and iTunes.
Previously, Tony Duncan and his instrumental group, Estun-Bah, a popular Arizona trio featuring Duncan on Native American flute, Darrin Yazzie (Navajo) on guitar and Jeremy Dancing Bull (Mandan-Arikara-Hidatsa) on drums released, Sounds of Beauty, which was nominated for Best World Music Album and Best Instrumental Album by the Native American Music Awards. The word "Estun-Bah" is an Apache word meaning "For the Woman." Tony Duncan was personally selected by Ms. Furtado after she reviewed video of hoop dancers and found him at the Heard Museum in Arizona. Tony and his brother Kevin are both world championship hoop dancers and regularly perform the hoop dance together. Tony has performed for First Lady Laura Bush at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and at the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington DC.
Kelly Furtado’s double-platinum debut album, Whoa, Nelly!, and its single "I'm Like a Bird", won a 2001 Juno Award for Single of the Year and a 2002 Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. Her second studio album, Folklore, featured three international singles: "Powerless (Say What You Want)", "Try", and "Força" (the theme of the 2004 European Football Championship). Her third studio effort released in 2006 was the double-platinum Loose, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Top 200 chart, received multi-platinum certification in 32 countries, and sold 10 million copies worldwide. Loose also generated the No. 1’s “Promiscuous” and “Say It Right”, "Maneater", and "All Good Things (Come to an End)". After a three-year break, she released her first full-length Spanish album, Mi Plan, which received the Latin Grammy for Best Female Pop Vocal Album. The Spirit Indestructible, is Furtado's fourth English-language studio album.
Of Portuguese descent, the Canadian-born singer, songwriter, actress, and philanthropist has enjoyed a successful career as a multi-language superstar. By embracing different cultures and genres, she has defined musical diversity for a new generation. Ms. Furtado has sold more than 16 million albums and 18 million singles worldwide. She has received a Grammy Award, a Latin Grammy Award, a BRIT Award, World Music Award, and 10 Juno awards.
For More About Nelly Furtado or Tony Duncan, please visit:
www.nellyfurtado.com www.estunbahmusic.com
April 25, 2012
Free Song From NAMA Award winner Gary Small's New CD
Carlos Santana Dedicates New CD To Indigenous Community
Joanne Shenandoah Performs At Oren Lyons Birthday
Robbie Robertson Visits Levon Helm before His Passing
New NAMA Submission Forms Available To PublicNAMA Award winner and member of the Northern Cheyenne Tribe, Gary Small has just released his sixth full length recording entitled, Hostiles & Renegades on Medicine Tail Music. Hostiles & Renegades is Gary's "Native Americana" sequal to his award-winning recording, "Wild Indians". If you love the music traditions of Bob Marley, Santana, and War, you'll love Hostiles & Renegades.
If you order from Gary directly, he will autograph your CD!!! Just request it by going to www.coyotebros.net. The new CD is also available at www.CD Baby.com. There is a free mp3 download code with this email to receive a free copy of the song, "American Icon" off the Hostiles & Renegades CD.
Gary Small has received three awards from the Native American Music Awards; Songwriter of the Year in 2002, Best Rock Recording, in 2007 and most recently, Best Male Artist in 2011. Small's guitar is at the forefront of one of the most incredible percussion sections featuring former 12-year Santana drummer, Graham Lear, oand former Joe Cocker conguero, Bobby Torres. Small's band is always loaded with heavy weight musicians and the sound definitely reflects it.
Small's guitar playing so reminiscent of Carlos Santana it's stunning. In fact it wouldn't be unfair to say Small could become the Santana of Native American music-translating his history through myriad musical forms in a way that speaks on several levels."- John Graham, Willamette Week, July 18th, 2001
Carlos Santana & Joanne Shenandoah at a Party Last WeekLast week, multiple NAMA award winner Joanne Shenandoah attended and performed at a birthday party for Oren Lyons. Oren’s birthday party was held as an outdoor garden party in Southern California with many surprise guests including Carlos Santana and his wife Cindy Blackman and members of the Shumash Nation. Joanne sang the song, "Eagle Cries" before the meal. Joanne also gave Carlos a copy of her Eagle Cries and Peacemakers Journey CDs. The picture of them above was taken at the birthday party.
Oren Lyons, Jr., recognized advocate of indigenous rights, was born in 1930 and raised in the culture and practices of the Iroquois on the Seneca and Onondaga reservations in Upstate New York. Oren R. Lyons, Jr. is a traditional Faithkeeper of the Turtle Clan, Onondaga Council of Chiefs of the Hau de no sau nee (ho dee noe sho nee, meaning people of the Long House), of the Onondaga Nation. He is Honorary Chairman of the Iroquois Nationals and was inducted into the National Lacrosse Hall of Fame.
CARLOS SANTANA RELEASES NEW CD,
SHAPE SHIFTER, DEDICATED TO THE AMERICAN INDIAN
Legendary Mexican and American rock guitarist,
Carlos Santana, released his new CD,
Shape Shifter, a 13-song all instrumental recording on his new label, Starfaith Records, on May 15th. Shape Shifter is the 36th CD from this superior musician with tremendous notoriety and sensitivity. Carlos is dedicating Shape Shifter to all Native Americans, the first people of this land, and acknowledging Australia's 2008 apology to the Aborigines, and President Obama's signing of the 2009 Native American Apology Resolution. He says, "I encourage any and all countries (that have not as yet done so) to acknowledge the first people of their land, and make this a collective global effort." If you are a radio station and would like to request a copy of
Shape Shifter for airplay, or if you would like to sell
Shape Shifter in your store or on the pow wow trail, please contact us or email us at
NAMAlive@aol.comCarlos has also been very outspoken against NARAS and the recent dropping of the ethnic Grammy categories including the Native American music category. "You can't eliminate black gospel music or Hawaiian music or American Indian music or Latin jazz music because all this music represents what United States is: a social experiment," he was reported as saying in the Canadian news service, The Providence. The cover art of Shape Shifter was created by famed Comanche artist Rance Hood.
The cover art of Shape Shifter was created by famed Comanche artist Rance Hood. Rance Hood is one of the few Native American artists who still paints in the manner which echoes the traditional Indian culture and spirituality of the past. Hood grew up in the home of his maternal grandparents who taught him Comanche Indian ways and values. Hood’s themes are mystical and spiritual. Today, thirty years beyond his original success as a major Indian artist in the 1960’s, Rance Hood is still considered the most successful Plains Indian artist.
This May, Carlos is beginning a two-year run of performances; “An Intimate Evening with Santana: Greatest Hits Live – Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow” at the House of Blues at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas. In addition to this two year residency at House of Blues in Las Vegas, Carlos is performing at music festivals and Native American casinos across the country.
JANA RELEASES NEW CD THROUGH SONY'S RED DISTRIBUTION
On-sale Now in All Retail Outlets Including Walmart!
MAY 2010 Volume 15 - NAMA NEWS, New York, New York – Miss Molly Records /Sony/ RED have announced the much anticipated release of Jana Mashonee's latest album New Moon Born on May 11th, 2010. As part of the launch of New Moon Born, AOL Music will be streaming the album for one week starting May 11. New Moon Born features 18 tracks showcasing Jana’s powerfully sensitive and soulful vocals in an upbeat rhythm and blues flavor.
An eight-time Native American Music Award winner, Jana Mashonee, is one of the most successful and versatile American Indian artists of today. Her Native American Music Awards include: Best Pop Rock Recording (01), Song/Single of the Year (02), Best Female Recording Artist (03), Record of the Year (06), Best Short Form Video (08), and Song/Single of the Year for "A Change Is Gonna Come" from New Moon Born in 2009. Her stunning, exotic beauty and extraordinarily soulful vocals coupled with exceptional songwriting have put her on a tier all her own.
RED Distribution, an Artist Development Company (formerly Relativity Entertainment Distribution), is a Sony Music Entertainment-owned sales and marketing division that handles releases for 50+ independent record labels. Successful RED acts include; Kottonmouth Kings, Ed Kowalczyk, Nine Inch Nails, Steve Earle, Peter, Bjorn & John, Radiohead, Phoenix, Mandy Moore, Passion Pit and Third Eye Blind. RED was originally founded in 1979 as a hard rock music distributor called Important Record Distributors, and released Metallica's first two LPs in the US. It became RED Distribution by the '90s and changed to RED - An Artist Development Company in 2007.
All the songs on New Moon Born are uplifting and inspiring and the critics are raving. "This is just first-rate feel good music"- Cashbox. "A breakout recording" – Wildy's World "Nothing prepares you for Mashonee's stark beauty & lush vocals"- Editor's Pick, Curve Magazine.
The album will be carried in retail outlets everywhere including select Walmart stores which are planning a unique "8 for 18" promo campaign. New Moon Born is selling for $8.00 and features 18 brand new pop/R&B tracks including Jana's first Spanish language song, "Una Noche".
You can purchase New Moon Born for $8.00 through Walmart by clicking on the following link:
http://www.walmart.com/ip/14138931
In support of New Moon Born, Jana will be performing for her fans as she continues her non-stop touring across the country. Upcoming tour dates include:
Support This Mainstream Retail Effort For Jana.
Buy A Copy of New Moon Born Today!
For more information Contact:
Stephan Galfas Miss Molly Records Phone: 203 531 8111 Fax: 203 531 9444
Email: sgalfas@missmollyrecords.com
Jana Mashonee (www.janamashonee.com)
Miss Molly Records (www.missmollyrecords.com)
RED Distribution (www.REDMusic.com)
REDBONE'S LOLLY VEGAS DIES
Los Angeles, CA - 3/4/10 It has been reported that Lolly Vegas Co-Founder of the group of Redbone, passed away earlier this morning in Los Angeles. His cause of death was from Lung Cancer. He was surrounded by his family and passed away peacefully and without pain. On January 30th, NAMA received a health report on Lolly Vegas from Advisory member Brian Arra and through Redbone's European management. The condition of Lolly Vegas was reported to be serious and in anticipation of further treatment, Lolly was temporary placed in a care facility following surgery. NAMA requested that its members send him well wishes and reassure him how important his work with Redbone had been. NAMA inducted Redbone and it original members into the NAMA Hall of Fame at the 10th Annual Awards show which his brother Pat Vegas and the late Tony Bellamy both attended. On behalf of the Native American Music Awards and its members, we would like to send our condolences to Pat Vegas and his family on their loss.
For more click on LA Times obituary below:
latimesblogs.latimes.com/afterword/2010/03/redbone-singer-and-guitarist-lolly-vegas-dies-at-70.html
DEREK MILLER PERFORMS AT OLYMPICS CLOSING CEREMONIES
Vancouver, Canada - 2/28/10 Two time NAMMY Award Winner and two-time Juno Award winner for Aboriginal Recording of the Year, Derek Miller, recently performed the song, “Let’s Have A Party” at the Closing Ceremonies of the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics with singers, Eva Avila and Nikki Yanofsky.
Eva Avila, is a Canadian singer and songwriter from Gatineau, Quebec, who was the winner of the fourth season of the CTV reality show Canadian Idol in 2006. She was the second female winner in the show's history.
Nikki Yanofsky is a Canadian jazz-pop singer from Montreal, Quebec, Canada. She has performed internationally at jazz festivals and major concert venues both solo and alongside such well-known artists as Wyclef Jean, Celine Dion, Marvin Hamlisch and The Count Basie Orchestra. Yanofsky also sang Canada's national anthem at the opening ceremonies of the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.
Derek's live performance can be seen on the video above.
REDBONE'S TONY BELLAMY PASSES AT AGE 63
revised as of 1/7/2010
New York, NY – The Native American Music Awards (N.A.M.A.) organization is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Redbone's Anthony Bellamy, who has died on Christmas morning, December 25th, 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada with his family by his side. Anthony, or Tony "T-Bone" Bellamy, who attended the 10th Annual Native American Music Awards and was inducted into the N.A.M.A. Hall of Fame with Redbone in 2008, was a Mexican-American Yaqui Indian who became the lead guitarist, pianist and vocalist for the Native American band.. He was a beloved and endearing friend of the "Nammys" since its inception, and will be greatly missed.
Redbone became established as a Native American rock group in the 1970s. They reached the Top 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts in 1974 with the hit song, "Come and Get Your Love."
Originally formed in 1969 in Los Angeles, California by brothers Patrick Vasquez (bass and vocals) and Lolly Vasquez (guitar and vocals), the name Redbone started as a joking reference to a Cajun term for a mixed-race person ("half-breed"). The band's members were of mixed blood ancestry. According to Patrick Vasquez aka Pat Vegas, it was Jimi Hendrix who talked the musicians into forming an all-Native American rock group . The band consisted of Patrick Vasquez, Lolly Vasquez, drummer Pete DePoe and Anthony "Tony" Bellamy.
The group signed to Epic Records in 1969, and released their debut album, Redbone, in 1970. The follow-up album, Potlatch, featured the song "Alcatraz," which dealt with the 1969 occupation of Alcatraz Island. Their first commercially successful singles were, “Maggie,” and "Witch Queen of New Orleans" (1971) which also became a huge hit in the United Kingdom. In 1973, Redbone released the political, "We Were All Wounded at Wounded Knee” which reached the #1 chart position in Europe.
By 1974, Redbone had reached the Top 5 of the Billboard Hot 100 charts with "Come and Get Your Love”. The Pop/Funk/Disco song was certified Gold by the R.I.A.A for selling over one million copies and is still heard today on radio stations and commercials throughout the country. Drummer DePoe was replaced by Arturo Perez on Already Here (1972). Perez was replaced on Wovoka (1974) by Butch Rillera. In 1998 members of the group appeared as special guest performers at the inaugural Native American Music Awards and returned in 2008 as NAMA Hall of Fame inductees.
Tony Bellamy grew up in a family of dancers and musicians and learned to play the flamenco guitar as part of his musical education. Before joining the band Redbone, Tony Bellamy had performed with Dobie Gray, and a was a member of the San Francisco band, Peter and the Wolves, that evolved into the psychedelic band Moby Grape.
Born as Anthony Avila on September 12 1946 to parents James and Olga Bellamy, Tony Bellamy died at age 63. He has five siblings.(It was originally reported that Tony was born in 1940 and was 69 years of age, but it was later corrected as 1946 and Bellamy passed at the age of 63.. Bellamy's family confirmed that Tony originally used a birth year of 1940 so that he could legally play in the clubs.)
N.A.M.A. and its Advisory Board contingency would like extend their condolences to the Bellamy family. N.A.M.A. will forever honor this legendary performer who has been both a leading force in the mainstream music industry and an inspiration to the Native American community.
http://www.myspace.com/tonybellamyformerlyofRedbone
Tony & Pat Tony w/Eagle & Hawk Ellen Bello, Tony Bellamy Tony Bellamy & Donald Kelly center @ Niagara Falls
NAMA 08
Induction
SNOWY ROAD CLAIMS RISING MUSICAL STAR JIMMY SHENDO
Updated: Thursday, 10 Dec 2009, 5:21 PM MST
Published : Thursday, 10 Dec 2009, 12:30 AM MST
Reporter: Crystal Gutierrez
Web Producer: Bill Diven
JEMEZ PUEBLO, N.M. (KRQE) - For decades Jimmy Shendo struggled to get his rock music heard, but just as he was gaining the national attention his family said he deserved, his life came to an end. Every Sunday Jimmy Shendo’s music would fill radio airwaves in New Mexico; his fans would even ask for him by name. “The listener called and asked for Jimmy Shendo,” Lisa Romero, Shendo’s youngest sister, said as she recalled hearing her brother’s songs on the radio. His audience was growing, she added. This year the Jemez Pueblo musician received the best musical production award for his Native American traditional piece "The Town Crier." It was his latest song, however, that put him in the national spotlight. “Walking the Life Road” was nominated in two categories for the Native American Music Awards for Best Rock Recording and Debut Group of the Year. “We knew he had it in himself,” Romero said. A big-time musician; but to his family he was just Uncle Jimmy. “They say, 'Uncle Jimmy; Uncle Jimmy is singing. He's on the radio,'” Romero said. Shendo learned to sing on the grounds of the Jemez Pueblo when he was very young. He even played the trombone in the high school band. The nationally recognized musician was coming home on Monday when the unthinkable happened. Romero’s daughter called her sobbing that morning. “She said, 'Mom I, have some bad news," Romero recalled. "'Uncle Jimmy has been in an accident." On Monday Shendo had been teaching a choir group his songs and was driving back from Durango, Colo., when his pickup truck hit a patch of icy on snow-covered U.S Highway 550 in San Juan County between Blanco Trading Post and Counselors. Deputies reported Shendo's truck slid into the path of a tractor-trailer rigged headed the other way. Shendo died on impact; the trucker was not hurt.
“It's very hard knowing that you're never going to see him again,” Romero said. Still they know hearing his voice will only be a radio dial away. Romero said his songs will do more than blare across speakers in New Mexico. They’ll inspire generations to come starting with the nephews and nieces who barely knew Uncle Jimmy. “I’m going to tell her this was your uncle, he was a very famous musician,” Romero said. Shendo was 59. He was buried on Wednesday morning.
NAMA NOTE: Jimmy Shendo was a multiple nominee and a presenter at the Eleventh Annual Native American Music Awards. His submitted recordings were:
Jimmy Shendo The Town Crier (Jemez Pueblo)
Jimmy Shendo & Moiety Walking The Life Road (Jemez Pueblo)
http://www.krqe.com/dpp/news/pueblos_tribes/snowy-road-claims-rising-musical-star
PUT THE HEAT ON! ENGAGES FAMILY OF LINK WRAY
FAMILY OF LATE LINK WRAY DONATES FIRST CHAINSAW TO PINE RIDGE RESERVATION FOR THEIR FIREWOOD HARVEST EFFORT
WOOD WILL PROVIDE EMERGENCY HEAT FOR ELDERS, DISABLED AND FAMILIES WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
THANK YOU!
" WE NEED CHAINSAWS FOR EMERGENCY WOOD & SELF-SUFFICIENCY OF THE PEOPLE"
- Chief Alfred Red Cloud
October 3, 2009
Eleventh Annual Award Winners Announced
Niagara Falls, NY – On Saturday October 3, 2009 the Eleventh Annual Native American Music Awards (N.A.M.A.) was held at the Seneca Niagara Hotel & Casino in Niagara Falls infront of a packed house that featured consistently outstanding live music performances along with an emotionally charged Hall of Fame induction in honor of the late Ritchie Valenz.
Taking this year's top honors are; Joanne Shenandoah & Michael Bucher's Bitter Tears Sacred Ground for Best Compilation, Jana Mashonee's rendition of Sam Cooke's, A Change Is Gonna Come with Derek Miller for Song/Single of the Year, Jan Michael Looking Wolf for Artist of the Year, Skylar Wolf for Debut Artist of the Year, Will and Lil Jess for Debut Duo/Group of the Year, Kevin Locke's Earth Gift for Record of the Year, and American Idol Semi-finalist Charly Lowry for Best Video for her long form video featuring her song, Movin On.
Hosted with grace, class, style, humor and even professional music talent by actor Gil Birmingham, others on hand at the Awards ceremeony included: Shane Yellowbird who won for Best Country Recording, Atsiaktonkie who won for Best Folk Recording, Flutist of the Year JJ Kent, Wind Spirit Drum whose recording Amazing Grace took Best Gospel Inspirational Recording, Thunder Hawk Singers for Best Historical Recording, Gabriel Ayala for Best Instrumental Recording, Bryan Akipa For Best Male Artist, Eagle & Hawk for Best Rock Recording, Rezhogs for Best Rap Hip Hop Recording, Oshkii Giizhik Singers for Best Traditional Recording, Michael Searching Bear for Best World Music Recording, and Michael Brant DeMaria for the Native Heart Award.
Other nominees in attendance included; Benjamin Grimes, Kelly Montijo Fink, Jackie Tice, Mike Serna, Pappy Johns Band, Jimmy Shendo, Augusta Cecconi Bates, Douglas Blue Feather, Yvonne St Germaine and Donna Kay who all participated in the program.
Capping the evening’s ceremonies were consistently transcendant and flawless performances beginning with drum group Young Gunz, Dallas Washkahat and Fawn Wood, classical guitarist Gabriel Ayala, Eagle & Hawk, soprano opera singer Jennifer M Stevens accompanied by composer Augusta Cecconi-Bates, Joanne Shenandoah and Michael Bucher who performed material from their award-winning recording, Lifetime Achievement Recipient Stevie Salas pumped it up with original Pearl Jam drummer Dave Abbruzesse and bass player TM Stevens of Shocka Zooloo and the late James Brown, and a spectacular rendition of Stevie Ray Vaughn's Pride & Joy by the show's host Gil Birmingham and nominee Jimmy Wolf. Darryl Tonemah gave a rising performance in his trademarked barefeet, Jana's riveting vocals were unmatched, Shane Yellowbird showcased material for his upcoming Grand Ole Opry appearance, and new artist Jace Martin captured the audience with his Ritchie Valens tribute song, We Belong Together.
Tommy Allsup, original guitarist of the Buddy Holly band who flipped a coin with Ritchie Valens for the last seat on their ill-fated plane, bought the audience to tears as Allsup, who became emotional and choked up as he recapped and retold the story of his tour mate Ritchie Valens and his tragic end.
Following the Hall of Fame induction and Ritchie's sister, Irma's acceptance speech, Tommy Allsup, who is an enrolled member of the Cherokee Nation, joined Ritchie's little brother, Mario, and his group, The Backyard Blues Band, who rocked the house and performed a special extended rendition of “La Bamba”.
N.A.M.A. and its Advisory Board contingency would like to congratulate all the winners and nominees and proudly honors these legendary performers and songwriters who have been leading forces in the Native American music community.
The Native American Music Awards & Association, founded in 1998, is the world’s leading membership-based association consisting of music industry professionals directly involved in the recording and distribution of traditional and contemporary Native American Music initiatives. The growing success of the Awards show now features over one hundred and fifty nominees annually, with at least one third of those nominees being new artists. For the past eleven years the Awards has set industry standards for professional Native American musicians who are gaining greater acceptance and exposure from both national and international audiences.
See below for a complete list of winners
ELEVENTH ANNUAL AWARD WINNERS
ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Jan Michael Looking Wolf
The Looking Wolf Project
BEST BLUES RECORDING
Dancing In The Rain
Graywolf Blues Band
BEST COMPILATION RECORDING
Bitter Tears Sacred Ground
Joanne Shenandoah & Michael Bucher
BEST COUNTRY RECORDING
Life Is Calling My Name
Shane Yellowbird
DEBUT ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Skylar Wolf
Devil’s Son
DEBUT DUO / GROUP OF THE YEAR
Will & Lil Jess
Reservation Nights
BEST FEMALE ARTIST
Joy Harjo
Winding Through The Milky Way
BEST FOLK RECORDING
Four Wolves Prophecy
Atsiaktonkie
FLUTIST OF THE YEAR
JJ Kent
Ta Te’ Topa Win
BEST GOSPEL/INSPIRATIONAL RECORDING
Amazing Grace
Lenape Spirits
Wind Spirit Drum
GROUP OF THE YEAR
Brule’
Lakota Piano II
BEST HISTORICAL RECORDING
Native Pride
Thunder Hawk Singers
BEST INSTRUMENTAL RECORDING
Tango!
Gabriel Ayala
BEST MALE ARTIST
Bryan Akipa
Songs From The Black Hills
BEST NATIVE AMERICAN CHURCH RECORDING
Peyote Ways
Primeaux & Mike
BEST NEW AGE RECORDING
Deep Within
Tony Redhouse
BEST POP RECORDING
Na Unu Nahai (Shape Shifter)
Apryl Allen
BEST POW WOW RECORDING
Band of Brothers
Midnite Express
BEST PRODUCER
Kelly Parker
Out Of The Blue
BEST RAP / HIP HOP RECORDING
All Day All Night
Rezhogs
RECORD OF THE YEAR
Earth Gift
Kevin Locke
BEST ROCK RECORDING
Sirensong
Eagle & Hawk
SONG/SINGLE OF THE YEAR
A Change Is Gonna Come
Jana Mashonee
SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR
Samantha Crain
The Confiscation: A Musical Novella
BEST SPOKEN WORD RECORDING
The Great Story From The Sacred Book
Rain Song/Terry & Darlene Wildman
BEST TRADITIONAL RECORDING
It Is A New Day
Oshkii Giizhik Singers
BEST VIDEO
Movin On
Charly Lowry & Aaron Locklear
BEST WORLD MUSIC RECORDING
Ceremony
Michael Searching Bear
NATIVE HEART
Michael Brant DeMaria
Siyotanka
Lifetime Achievement
Stevie Salas
LIVING LEGEND
Tommy Allsup
HALL OF FAME
Ritchie Valens
.
February 8, 2009
Congratulations To GRAMMY Winner
Come To Me Great Mystery — Native American Healing Songs
(Various Artists)
Tom Wasinger, producer
[Silver Wave Records]
FOLK FIELD Category 70
Best Native American Music Album
(Vocal or Instrumental.)
# # #
Wizipan Garriott named Obama's First Americans Public Liaison
Courtesy Indian Country Today
http://www.indiancountrytoday.com/politics/36045919.html
By Rob Capriccioso
Story Published: Dec 15, 2008
Story Updated: Dec 15, 2008
WASHINGTON – Wizipan Garriott, 28, has been appointed First Americans Public Liaison, a newly created position in President-elect Barack Obama's transition team. The position is aimed at honoring a nation-to-nation relationship with tribes.
Amy Brundage, a spokeswoman for the team, confirmed Garriott's role Dec. 10.
Garriott, a member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe, could not offer comment on the development, as members of Obama's transition team have been instructed not to talk about their specific contributions.
Garriott's position on the transition group brings the total number of Native Americans serving on it to seven. Indian Country Today previously reported that John Echohawk, Keith Harper, Robert Anderson, Mary Smith, Mary McNeil and Yvette Robideaux all hold positions on the team.
Garriott, whose first name means "burden" in Lakota, graduated from Yale University in 2003 with a degree in American studies. He then went on to work as an assistant to former Sen. Tom Daschle, D-S.D., who has been a key player in the Obama campaign and was recently tapped to lead the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
After Daschle lost his bid for re-election in 2004, Garriott attended the University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law in Tucson, and obtained a law degree there in June. In 2005, he also helped incorporate the He Sapa Leadership Academy, a college preparatory school on his reservation for students in grades eight to 12.
As Daschle became involved with Obama's campaign, the longtime politician ultimately recommended Garriott to become a part of the effort.
Daschle's recommendation was helpful, as Garriott ended up joining the Obama campaign for president as a Native American outreach coordinator in Sept. 2007. In June, he was officially hired as the campaign's First Americans vote director. His chief objective was collaborating with tribes and Native groups, trying to get out the Native vote in many states, including New Mexico, Wisconsin, Montana and Michigan.
"For us, the campaign has always been about community empowerment," Garriott told ICT in late-September.
"We've tried to put as many resources as possible into Indian communities so we can help our own people organize and empower themselves. That's what this is all about."
He also predicted in the interview that Indian participation in the election would help sway the vote in close swing states.
Garriott is the son of Elizabeth Little Elk, who works for the Rosebud Sioux Tribe in the child and family services arena, and Charlie Garriott, a teacher at Todd County High School, located on the reservation in Mission, S.D.
While in college, Garriott served as a peer counselor to younger Native students. Amid controversy over whether there should be ethnic counselors and cultural houses at the institution, he made it be known that he felt such networks are beneficial, especially for reservation youth.
In a December 2002 issue of The Yale Herald, Garriott noted that the majority of reservation youth hail from economically depressed areas, which can make it especially difficult for Indian students to adjust to mainstream colleges, both academically and culturally.
At Yale, Garriott also worked as vice-president of Night Shield Entertainment, a music-focused company founded by one of his Native friends, Gabriel Night Shield. Garriott assisted with promotion and helped with
efforts on distribution, talent evaluation and music selection.
Upon learning of Garriott's new appointment, Night Shield said he and many other tribal members were "really proud of what Wizi has accomplished."
"We were joking about it the other day – maybe in about 20 years we'll be voting for Wizi as president," said Night Shield, who attended high school at St. Francis Indian School with Garriott in South Dakota.
- IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 7, 2008
TENTH ANNUAL WINNERS ANNOUNCED
BLACKFIRE & NATIVE ROOTS TOP THE AWARDS WITH TWO LYNYRD SKYNYRD’S RICKEY MEDLOCKE, REDBONE AMONG THOSE HONORED
Niagara Falls, NY – On Saturday October 4, 2008 the Tenth Annual Native American Music Awards (N.A.M.A.) was held at the Seneca Niagara Hotel & Casino in Niagara Falls, New York and awarded over 35 artists in a four hour event with 12 onstage presentations and special Hall of Fame inductions and performances that had the packed crowd dancing on their feet. The growing success of the Awards show is now setting industry standards for professional Native American musicians who want to achieve greater acceptance and exposure from mainstream audiences.
Taking two honors each was; the New Mexico-based Reggae group, Native Roots and the Arizona-based punk rock/Alter Native band, Blackfire. Native Roots’ recording, Celebrate won for Best World Music Recording and earned them Group of the Year. Native Roots gave a high-energy live performance with their messages of pride, unity, and respect among all nations. Blackfire, is comprised of two brothers and a sister with a style that encompasses traditional Native American music with rock that bears socio-political and human rights messages. Blackfire’s (Silence) Is A Weapon won Record of the Year and their producer Ed Stasium (Ramones) took the Native Heart award.
On hand to receive their awards were: Janelle Turtle for Best Native American Church Recording with New Beginning. Janelle is the first female to receive this award, and the great great great granddaughter of Dog Woman who was the first woman to run meetings among the Cheyenne people; Jan Michael Looking Wolf, winner of Flutist of the Year with his recording, Unity, gave one of the most poignant and genuine speeches that embraced his friend JJ Kent and the recent loss of Kent’s wife; the Cherokee National Youth Choir who took Best Gospel Inspirational Recording and performed traditional Cherokee songs in the Cherokee language. The Choir came into existence from the vision of Principal Chief Chad Smith.
Other Award recipients in attendance included; Nicole for Best Female Artist, Edmund Bull for Best Male Artist who also performed an acoustic song from his album, Follow Your Dreams. After facing one of his toughest personal years with the loss of both parents and best friend, Golana received a nod for Best Instrumental Recording for Mirror Lake. Taking Artist of the Year was multiple award-winner Jim Boyd, with Blues to Bluegrass. This was Boyd's eleventh release which explored many genres - from rock and bluegrass to blues and folk, and was the first recording since the tragic loss of his son, Jim Boyd, Jr.. Carroll Medicine Crow (Best New Age Recording), Jimmy Wolf (Best Blues Recording), Tracy Bone (Best Country Recording), Cheryl Bear (Debut Artist of the Year), Red Hawk (Best Historical Recording) Adrian Brown, Tim Sampson producers for Still No Good, Dago Braves (Rap Hip Hop), NightShield (Song Single of the Year), Star Nayea (Songwriter of the Year), Ken Quiet Hawk (Spoken Word Recording), and Brule & AIRO (Long Form Video) were also on hand to receive their awards.
Special guests included; Buddy Big Mountain, Lifetime Achievement Recipient Johnny Curtis, the great great grandson of Geronimo, Houston Geronimo and Lance White Magpie, a direct descendant of Crazy Horse.
Capping the evening’s ceremonies was a collaborative performance between Joanne Shenandoah and Corn Bred who performed a unique version of “At Last” with two traditionally dressed dancers dancing a romantic slow dance. Internationally renowned and multi-million record selling band members; Rickey Medlocke of Lynyrd Skynyrd, Janice Marie of Taste of Honey, Pat Vegas of Redone & Felipe Rose of the Village People all gave compelling performances following their inductions into the N.A.M.A. Hall of Fame. Rose performed a medley featuring his award-winning, “We’re Still Here” and “Trail of Tears”. Pat Vegas performed “Come And Get Your Love” and was then joined by Janice-Marie Johnson for “Boogie Oogie Oogie.” Show closer Rickey Medlocke performed a five song medley that included “Gimmie Back My Bullets”, “Train Train” and “Highway Song.” N.A.M.A. proudly honors these legendary performers and songwriters who have been leading forces in mainstream music and in the Native American community.
A post-show VIP party followed the Award ceremonies and featured some impressive and memorable collaborations and jams including; “Rumble” by the late Link Wray’s grandson, Chris Webb, and Jimmy Wolf, as well as a chilling performance of “Proud Mary” by Tracy Bone, Cheryl Bear and Digging Roots’ Shoshana Keech.
N.A.M.A. and its Advisory Board contingency congratulate all the winners and look forward to entering a second decade with them as the country’s leading resource for Native American music initiatives. For the past decade, N.A.M.A. has been nominating and awarding prominent national music figures of Native American heritage at its annual Awards ceremony, and has steadily and repeatedly attempted to prove that the Native American music community is a viable and impressive industry that is owed reverence and respect.
The Native American Music Awards & Association, founded in 1998, is the world’s leading membership-based association consisting of music industry professionals directly involved in the recording and distribution of traditional and contemporary Native American Music initiatives.
TENTH ANNUAL NATIVE AMERICAN MUSIC AWARDS
SET A GRAND CELEBRATION AT SENECA NIAGARA CASINO & HOTEL
ON SATURDAY OCTOBER 4th 2008
HALL OF FAME PRESENTATIONS TO BE MADE TO BAND MEMBERS OF LYNYRD SKYNYRD, VILLAGE PEOPLE, TASTE OF HONEY & REDBONE
New York, NY – On Saturday October 4, 2008 at the Seneca Niagara Hotel & Casino in Niagara Falls, NY, the highly anticipated Native American Music Awards (N.A.M.A.) will proudly commemorate its tenth anniversary with a special celebration that includes over 30 Awards categories from every genre of music as well as Hall of Fame inductions and high energy performances by nationally renowned band members from Lynyrd Skynyrd, Taste of Honey, Redone & Village People.
N.A.M.A. and its Advisory Board contingency would like to congratulate the following inductees; Rickey Medlocke, current guitarist of Lynyrd Skynyrd and founder, lead guitarist and songwriter of Blackfoot who has sold over 5 million records worldwide with his hits “Train Train” and “Highway Song”; Pat Vegas of Redbone, an original founding member of the Native American rock group that reached the Top 5 of the Billboard Hot 100 charts in 1974 with the song, "Come and Get Your Love;" Janice-Marie Johnson, founder and principal songwriter of the internationally acclaimed group A Taste of Honey, with her multi-platinum smash hit "Boogie Oogie Oogie," which was number one on the Billboard Pop, Disco and R&B charts, and recipient of the 2002 “Nammy” for Producer of the Year,” and Felipe Rose, the “Indian” and Co-founder of the world renown group, The Village People whose previous solo efforts representing his Native American heritage have earned him several Native American Music Awards including “Best Historical Recording” for his song ‘Trail of Tears.’ Just this week, the Village People were honored with their own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
N.A.M.A. proudly honors these legendary performers and songwriters who have been leading forces in mainstream music and in the Native American community. For the past decade, N.A.M.A. has been nominating and awarding prominent national music figures of Native American heritage at its annual Awards ceremony, a highly celebratory and critically acclaimed event. NAMA President, Ellen Bello states, “Since our inception, the Awards have celebrated the musical achievements of Native American artists from the tip to the toes of entire North America. This year’s program proudly commemorates an entire decade of honoring the artistic accomplishments of both past and present. With over 30 traditional and contemporary music categories, we have steadily and repeatedly proven that the Native American music community is a viable and impressive industry. N.A.M.A. is proud to be the premiere Awards show for Native American music. As we enter our second decade, we will continue our commitment to excellence and nurturing newer artistic expressions.”
Two-time N.A.M.A. nominee, Apache’ Gospel artist, Johnny Curtis, who has penned multiple records in the past three decades, will be presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award. Other featured performers include: multiple NAMA award winners, Joanne Shenandoah and Robert Tree Cody, Blues recording artist CornBred, Canada’s Edmund Bull, New Mexico’s Native Roots, South Dakota’s Rap Hip/Hop artists Nightshield and Maniac The Siouxpernatural, female power vocalists Star Nayea & Pura Fe’, The Cherokee National Youth Choir, Iroquois Dancers, Trevor Jones & Young Gunz plus Indian Country’s preeminent comedian and ventriloquist, Buddy Big Mountain, and more.
The Great grandson of Geronimo, Houston Geronimo and Lance White Magpie, a direct descendant of Crazy Horse will serve as special guest presenters. A film screening of Our Spirits Don't Speak English: Indian Boarding School" produced by award-winning RichHeape Productions will be held on the awards premise on Friday, October 3rd as a special pre-show event.
Tickets are $20.00 and up and are available through Ticketmaster and the Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel box office. Showtime is 8:00pm. Hotel reservations can be made by calling 716.299.1100 or 1.888.905.4477.
All Winners of the Tenth Annual Native American Music Awards will be announced at the awards pre-show event and throughout the Awards ceremony. A post show meet and greet with autograph signings will take place in the lobby following the event followed by a private VIP Party in the Bear’s Den for winners and nominees.
The Native American Music Awards & Association, founded in 1998, is the world’s leading membership-based association consisting of music industry professionals directly involved in the recording and distribution of traditional and contemporary Native American Music initiatives.
Music tracks of all artist nominees are posted on www.votenative.com.
Visit www.nativeamericanmusicawards.com for more information.
For press credentials please contact Jillian Fiorella, Seneca Gaming Corporation at 716.501.2324 or JFiorella@snfgc.com
NINTH ANNUAL NATIVE AMERICAN MUSIC AWARDS SHOW SET REPEAT SATELLITE BROADCASTS
TO OVER 18 MILLION HOUSEHOLDS ON COLOURS TV SUNDAY, JUNE 1st & JUNE 8th
New York, NY/May 29, 2008 - On Sunday, June 1st, at 2:00PM, the highly esteemed Native American Music Awards will be broadcast in over 18 million households as a featured two-hour televised special on CoLours TV. CoLours TV can be found in all 50 states in the top 100 TV markets through the EchoStar/Dish Network channel 9407 and on local cable affiliates, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. A rebroadcast of the Awards program is scheduled for Sunday, June 8th from 2:00 to 4:00PM.
CoLours TV was created by Black Star Communications (BSC), a non-profit corporation organized to operate exclusively for civic, charitable, and educational purposes. The CoLours TV network has set out to be a voice of authority for America’s multicultural community. Today, they are in over 18 million television households which accounts for more than 40 million viewers. CoLours also features an online presence at www.colourstv.org CoLours’ technical information is Satellite Intelsat Americas 13, Transponder 6.
The Ninth Annual Native American Music Awards show was recently held at the Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel in Niagara Falls, New York, and taped in front of a live audience. This two hour broadcast program features award presentations, special guest appearances and live performances in all genres of music by leading artists of Native American heritage from North America. Featured performers include; Lifetime Achievement Award recipients Joanne Shenandoah and Bill Miller, South Dakota’s Brule’ & AIRO (Group of the Year), Buffalo’s own Tonemah (Best Folk Recording), Upstate New York’s Corn Bred (Best Blues Recording) Lumbee pop artist Jana (Best Pop Recording), Gary Small & the Coyote Bros (Best Rock Recording), Drum group Pipestone (Record of the Year), Nightshield with Maniac the Siouxpernatural (Best Rap Recording), the traditional Iroquois Dancers, nominees Digging Roots, and Jan Michael Looking Wolf with renowned Latin music producer, George Noriega. Other special guest presenters include; Beth Wray Webb (Daughter of the late Link Wray), Keith Secola, and Wayquay among others.
Founded a decade ago in May of 1998, the critically acclaimed Native American Music Awards is the country’s leading membership based association consisting of music industry professionals directly involved in the recording and distribution of traditional and contemporary Native American music initiatives.
Support for the Ninth Annual Native American Music Awards’ broadcast was received by the Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel, the Seneca Nation of Indians (SNI), the Shokopee Mdewankaton Sioux Community and The Seminole Tribe of Florida. The Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel is a premiere entertainment destination and features the largest hotel in Western New York with breathtaking views of one of the most incredible natural sites in the world, Niagara Falls.
SHERIDAN, WYOMING 4/22/08
GARY SMALL & HIS BAND OF COYOTE'S Teamed Up with Rock & Roll Icon, Chubby Checker on April 19, 2008 at My Buddy's Place in Sheridan, Wyoming. Small and his band were originally going to open only, but Chubby's manager organized a crash rehearsal with them just hours before the scheduled show. Gary Small played away while Chubby sang "Lets Do the Twist!!!" Gary and his band would like to thank Z94 FM's Russ Davidson and Cathleen and the whole crew at My Buddies Place as the host venue.
TAOS, NEW MEXICO 2/12/08
OFFICIAL NEWS RELEASE FROM ROBERT MIRABAL
Media Contact: Andrew Flack, flack@starroadrecords.com; 1-800-362-1273
New Mexico’s Native Son, Robert Mirabal, Wins GRAMMY for Best Native American Album of the Year “Johnny Whitehorse Totemic Flute Chants”
TAOS PUEBLO, NM (February 12, 2008) — On Sunday February 10th, The 50th ANNUAL GRAMMY AWARDS presented its Native American Album of the Year to Robert Mirabal of Taos Pueblo, New Mexico.
The winning album, “Johnny Whitehorse Totemic Flute Chants” on Silver Wave Records, captures a full-fledged Southwest tribal vibe in addition to blending full-on world music influences. The record was co-produced by Mirabal and Larry Mitchell.
Johnny Whitehorse is a character created by Mirabal... an iconic vision of the lone Indian on horseback roaming the desert Southwest. Robert's brother, Patrick Shendo Mirabal, is also featured on the album.
From the liner notes: "All over the world, man has relied on the mystery and power of animals to guide him. Crafted from an array of Native American flutes, keyboards, tribal drums and world music instruments, "Totemic Flute Chants" interprets these animal spirits that have the power to transform lives."
This is Mirabal’s second GRAMMY in three years. In 2006 he won as part of a ensemble recording, “Sacred Ground,” also on Silver Wave Records.
The GRAMMY’S Native American category was initiated in 2000 and category is “for recordings of a more traditional nature, but allowing contemporary recordings containing substantial traditional elements.”
Mirabal's other 2007 release, "In the Blood" has won multiple awards including "Best International Album" at the Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards.
Robert was also voted "Best Male Artist" of the Year at the 2007 Native American Music Awards where his "Pueblo Christmas" release was nominated for "Record of the Year."
Mirabal's first novel, "Running Alone in Photographs" will be published this Spring.
###
LOS ANGELES, CA 12/13/07
FLOYD RED CROW WESTERMAN JOURNEYS TO THE SPIRIT WORLD
12/13/07 - Renowned musician, activist, and elder, Floyd Red Crow Westerman passed on to the spirit world at 5:00 a.m. PST this morning at Cedars Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles after an extended illness and complications from Leukemia as reported today by the Native American Times and News From Indian Country.
Floyd Red Crow Westerman participated and performed in the First Annual Native American Music Awards in 1998, was the recipient of NAMA's Living Legend Award in 2002, and was recently awarded Best Country Recording for his recording, "A Tribute To Johnny Cash" at the Ninth Annual Native American Music Awards in October 2007.
With music as his first love, Westerman left his home on the Lake Traverse reservation in South Dakota with a suitcase and an old guitar as a young man. He traveled across the country playing country music and his own original songs and then based himself in Denver.
In 1969, he signed his first recording contract and released his first album, the highly acclaimed, "Custer Died for Your Sins" which captured the Indian movement's pathos and ethos during its formative years. In 1970 he released his second recording, "Indian Country".
As a member of the American Indian Movement, and spokesman for the International Indian Treaty Council, he traveled around the world to improve social conditions for indigenous peoples. In 1982, he reflected those sentiments in his third recording, "This Land Is Your Mother."
In 1996, he attended the first Native American Music Awards and performed with Joanne Shenandoah in a tribute performance for Hall of Fame Inductee, the late Buddy Red Bow.
In 2002 he was awarded the NAMA Living Legend Award at the Fifth Annual Native American Music Awards with Keith Secola accepting on his behalf.
In 2006, he was won Best Country Recording at the Native American Music Awards for his last full length recording, "A Tribute To Johnny Cash"released by Henhouse Studios.
During his music career and before his entrance into many films and television shows, he played and collaborated with a number of notable musicians, including; Willie Nelson, Kris Kristopherson, Buffy St. Marie, Joni Mitchell, Willie Nelsonm Jackson Browne, Harry Belafonte, and Sting.
Westerman's film and television appearances include the role of the Shaman for Jim Morrison in Oliver Stone's "The Doors" and as Ten Bears in "Dances With Wolves" His television roles have included playing Uncle Ray on Walker, Texas Ranger, One Who Waits, on Northern Exposure and multiple appearances as Albert Hosteen on the X-Files.
Westerman's numerous other awards include; a Congressional Certificate of Special Recognition, the Award for Generosity by the Americans for Indian Opportunity, was named Cultural Ambassador by the International Treaty Council, a Lifetime Achievement Award from the City of Los Angeles and Mayor Richard Riordan, FAITA, and the Integrity Award from the Multi-Cultural Motion Picture Association.
The Native American Music Awards has been honored by Floyd Red Crow Westerman's support and contributions over the years and will always be remembered with great fondness, admiration and respect.
The Native American Music Awards & Association
JOANNE SHENANDOAH AND BILL MILLER
TO RECEIVE SPECIAL HONORS AS
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD RECIPIENTS
AT NINTH ANNUAL NATIVE AMERICAN MUSIC AWARDS
New York, NY - Two of the biggest names in the Native American music industry, Joanne Shenandoah and Bill Miller, will be presented with Lifetime Achievement Awards on Saturday, October 6, 2007, at the Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel in Niagara Falls, New York.
As the Native American Music Awards leading award recipient with nine awards, Joanne Shenandoah is also a GRAMMY Award-winning artist with 14 albums to her credit. A Wolf Clan member of the Iroquois Confederacy (Oneida Nation) who currently resides in Syracuse, New York, Joanne began her recording career in the late 1980’s. She has forged forward to become one of the top-selling and most widely recognized Native recording artists today. Her legacy has been highlighted by collaborations with Bruce Cockburn and Neil Young and performances with; Willie Nelson, Buffy Sainte-Marie (Cree), Kris Kristofferson, Floyd Westerman (Dakota), Robbie Robertson (Mohawk), R. Carlos Nakai (Navajo/Ute). Her repertoire has spanned the realms of country, rock, techno, gospel, children's songs and folk as well as her best-known traditional Iroquois social songs. Since emerging as an artist in 1989, she has performed at such high-profile shows at Carnegie Hall, the White House, Kennedy Center, Earth Day on the Mall, Woodstock '94, the Parliament of the Worlds Religions in South Africa and the famous Sagrada Familia, in Barcelona Spain. Her music has been used in many soundtracks to include HBO, PBS, Northern Exposure, Bose Systems, and The Discovery Channel. She has just been featured in the newly released film "The Last Winter" starring Ron Perlman and has a principal role in the Discovery Channel/Think Film release of “First Nations - Hiawatha's Story” (Ayenwentha).
Bill Miller has long been one of the most admired figures in the Native American music arena and beyond. A GRAMMY award-winning recording artist, and six-time NAMA award winner, Bill hails from northern Wisconsin (his tribe is called Mahicanuk which means People From Where The Waters Are Never Still). His Indian name, Fush-Ya Heay Ka, means "bird song". He learned traditional songs at an early age and later began to play folk music and bluegrass as well as the Native American flute, which he came to master. He has written songs with the likes of Nancy Griffith, Peter Rowan and Kim Carnes, and shared the stage with national recording artists such as; Pearl Jam's Eddie Vedder, the BoDeans, Richie Havens, Arlo Guthrie and Tori Amos who he was the opening act for her “Under The Pink” U.S. and Canadian 200 date tour. His long recording career includes such landmark albums as; Loon Mountain and Moon, Red Road, Reservation Road, Raven In The Snow, Ghost Dance and The Art Of Survival. Over the past three years, Bill has produced two projects, Spirit Rain and Cedar Dream Songs that blend Native American and western folk/blues traditions in something wholly new. Spirit Rain and Cedar Dream Songs bought Bill great recognition and earned him a Grammy Award for Best Native American Recording. Bill has an equally active career as a painter and his work has been shown and sold in prestigious galleries around the country. He is currently working with John Carter Cash for his next recording.
The Native American Music Awards’ (N.A.M.A.) Lifetime Achievement Award is a highly prestigious award presented to an individual whose life has been dedicated to music and who has made outstanding artistic contributions in the music recording field. Recipients of this award will be honored at the Awards ceremony on October 6th. Recipients were nominated and elected by the N.A.M.A. Advisory Board.
Hosted by actor, Steve Reevis, this year’s Awards program will feature a night of musical excellence with over 30 awards presentations and a more than fifteen live music performances including; special performances by Bill Miller, Joanne Shenandoah, and Jan Michael Looking Wolf with George Noriega whose other collaborations include: Phil Ramone, Timbaland, Scott Storch, Robi “Draco” Rosa, Desmond Child, Ricky Martin, Emilio Estefan, Jennifer López, Shakira, Jon Secada, and many more.
The Native American Music Awards has been acclaimed for having “all the professionalism and production values of much larger events like the Grammy Awards and the American Music Awards” (American Federation of Radio Television Artists). The Awards has received wide critical praise from both national and international media such as; USA Today, Associated Press, CNN, Wall Street Journal, Billboard Magazine, New York Times, Los Angeles Times, La Voce Italiana and France's International Herald Tribune.
Nominees were selected by the Awards’ Advisory membership committee and winners are determined through a national voting campaign open to the general public. The Native American Music Awards’ Advisory Board is the country’s largest membership of music professionals directly involved in recording, manufacturing, distributing and promoting Native American music.
A Special Nominee & Media Reception will be held on Friday, October 5th in the Bear's Den at the Seneca Niagara Hotel & Casino at 6:ooPM.
HILLY KRISTAL, FOUNDER OF CBGBS PASSES AT 75
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
When the first whispers of the "NAMMYS" began, it ran from the Black graffitti walls of CBGB to the Black Hills of South Dakota. Those who know our true origins, know this. And Hilly was one of them. A man who for over 30 years, was entirely committed and deeply devoted to showcasing new and original talent.
I'm shaken and deeply saddened by the passing of this incredible gentleman and friend. Hilly Kristal was like no other. He was a visionary, a kind, calm and humble man that loved beauty and originality. He paved his own way, founded his own club, created a home for thousands of musicians. and gave life to one of the world's biggest and most historic music scenes. He did so with a deep and unrelenting love and passion for it all, and for many of us, we felt part of something so much more just being around him and his club. When he died, a part of my own music career died, and I imagine so did a part in everyone in the business who knew him. It was a sad irony that I was the first to learn that the space CBGB's occupied was being put on the market for lease - My heart sank when I had to tell Hilly. I know his broke. Money was never his motive. But it was his landlords. I couldn't bear much more beyond that. And apparently neither could he as illness set in.
In retrospect, I'm so glad I was able to help Hilly celebrate CBGBs 20th Anniversary. It was truly a special and happy time. I'm grateful for the many outings and talks we had. I'm also glad we campaigned together to have CBGB's designated as a Historic landmark in NYC. The only mistake was that we didn't own the premise. Maybe someone out there can buy the building from those greedy landlords and resurrect it as the historic landmark CBGBs should be. Regardless, this great man should never be forgotten, and I believe amongst all us fans and former patrons, that he will not. Goodbye Great One. May you ride forever in your Mini Cooper! I will miss you so dear Hilly.
Ellen Bello
NAMA Founder & CEO
www.cbgb.com
news.google.com/news
WWE® Superstar MICKIE JAMES™ or Mickie Laree James (Powhatan) is internationally recognized in the world of professional wrestling. As a SMG Recording Artist, with two full length albums and two singles to her credit, she is also widely known in the country music
circuit. Mickie, who is of Powhatan heritage from her maternal side, grew up in Virginia as a tomboy who loved riding horses, playing violin and dreamed of being in the wrestling ring performing for fans all over the world. By 2002, Mickie's dream was realized when she debuted on the national stage for Total Nonstop Action (TNA) and signed a developmental deal with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) that following year. She made her on screen debut for WWE in 2005 and would go on to win her first Women's Championship at WrestleMania 22 after a very memorable feud with Trish Stratus. She captured the Women's Title five times and the Divas Title once for a total of six championships in the WWE. Mickie had achieved her goals which were to become the first woman to win WWE's Women's & Divas titles as well as TNA's Knockouts Title. Not only did she do just that but she also went on to win TNA's Knockouts Title three times. She has set a precedent and broken many barriers for women in the WWE.
” “80 Proof” and the cover track, “
k about it," she said. "I'm glad I'm able to use this title as a way to speak for others that can't speak for themselves." Callingbull was chosen as Miss Canada for the Miss Friendship International Pageant held in Hubei, China in September, 2010, and represented Canada at the Queen of the World Final held in Germany 2010. She also represented Canada at Miss Humanity International in Barbados in October 2011. Ashley is also an actress and plays Sheila Delaronde in the series Blackstone. 
internationally, including three hits in the US, "Macho Man, "In the Navy", and their biggest hit, "Y.M.C.A.". Almost five decades later, Felipe and Village People remain a pop culture mainstay in music, sports arenas, commercials and television as they continue to tour the world. “Y.M.C.A” remains the group's biggest hit since it’s release in 1978. The song remains popular and is played throughout the U.S. and Europe, with crowds using the dance in which the arms are used to spell out the four letters of the song's title. The song is number 7 on VH1's list of The 100 Greatest Dance Songs of the 20th Century. To date, Felipe and the Village People have sold over 100 million records and have won many international music awards and garnered over 30 Platinum and Gold records. Felipe's highest moment of achievement was receiving a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the being inducted into the NAMA Music Hall of Fame. He has also earned a multiple Native American Music Awards for his various solo recordings. In his 40th year in the entertainment industry, Felipe continues to use his influential position to highlight issues that are important to him and maintain his personal objective of helping and connecting with people throughout the world.
AS SEEN ON NBC'S THE VOICE, JOSH HALVERSON grew up in Texas as the son of a cattle rancher and a Dakota Sioux Indian. He has played piano since the age of five and has grown into an adept songwriter, approaching time-honored topics like heartbreak and devotion with a sense of hard-won innocence. Josh’s first album, One Shot, earned him the Songwriter of the Year Award at the Native American Music Awards in 2013., Josh has since become a nationally recognized singer and songwriter after appearing on NBC’s The Voice 2016 Blind Auditions where he performed Bob Dylan’s “Forever Young” in front of superstars Miley Cyrus, Alicia Keys, Adam Levine, Blake Shelton and host Carson Daly. Once Miley, Alicia, and Blake hit their buttons, they all turned around to fight for Halverson. Although Blake brought out his best cattle talk, Halverson chose to join Team Alicia who called Josh’s voice “striking”. Later in the season, Josh was chosen to be on the team of Miley Cyrus. Josh has just released his second recording, Thunder Bird Sky which has earned him four Native American Music Awards nominations. Josh and his wife Rexana are currently expecting their second child.
Ernie Stevens, Jr. is the Chairman and national spokesperson for the National Indian Gaming Association (NIGA) in Washington, D.C. Stevens is currently completing his seventh two-year term as the organization’s leader, which is a position elected by the member tribes of the National Indian Gaming Association. As Chairman of NIGA, Stevens represents the Indian gaming industry. In this role, he has worked to educate Congress, the media and the public about the positive impacts of Indian gaming on tribal and nearby communities. Stevens is also responsible for shaping policy initiatives that have the potential to impact the industry. Chairman Stevens is an enrolled member of the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin.
NBC's The Voice recent contestant, Brooke Simpson is 26 years old and is a full-blooded Native American from the Haliwa-Saponi tribe. Brooke is from Hollister, North Carolina and currently lives in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. She grew up on tribal grounds with 4,000 Native Americans, including most of her family. Every year they have a powwow and celebrate their traditions just like their forefathers. She discovered her love of music at age seven when she started singing with her parents. They are full-time evangelists and would take trips every weekend in their RV to different churches to sing as a family, leading praise and worship. Brooke has been performing for many years and it's gotten to the point where she has started to look for a plan B, so a lot is riding on this audition.
WATCH HERE
WATCH HERE
Northern Cree At The GRAMMYS
Following his appearance at the Native American Music Awards in September 2016, TABOO released a video single entitled, 
BEST BLUES RECORDING
BEST COUNTRY RECORDING
BEST FEMALE VOCALIST
GROUP OF THE YEAR
BEST MALE VOCALIST
BEST RAP/HIP HOP RECORDING
BEST WAILA RECORDING
projects for businesses and colleges. Jim has released 15 records to date; Reservation Bound, Unity, Reservation Blues, First Come Last Served, AlterNatives, Jim Boyd w/ Alfonso Kolb Live At The Met, Kyo-t Live, Going To The Stick Games, Them Old Guitars, Live At Two Rivers, Blues To Bluegrass, Voices From The Lakes, Harley High, Living For The Sunny Days, and most recently Bridge Creek Road. Jim also managed his own career and continued to perform as the business owner and operator of his label, Thunderwolf Records.
Awards, he won Record of the Year for his recording, AlterNatives. The next year he took Best Pop/Rock Recording for LIVE; at the Seventh Annual Awards he received Record of the Year for Going To The Stick Games; he received Songwriter of the Year at the Eighth Annual Native American Music Awards for Them Old Guitars; he won Best Short Form Music Video for Inchelium at the Ninth Annual Awards; and he received the prestigious Artist of the Year Award at the Tenth Annual Native American Music Awards.
15th Annual commemoration held at the Seneca Allegany Casino & Hotel in Salamanca, New York. His wife Shelly and daughter Stevey were both in attendance.
Jim first started playing gigs in junior high in his older brother’s band, The Benzi Kriks, around Sewart Air Force Base in Tennessee. In 1968, the family moved back to the Colville reservation where Jim continued to play gigs with his lifelong friend Jerry Stensgar, who played bass. He started playing cover music in bars by the age of sixteen.
added drummer Alfonso Kolb, who continued to play with Jim afterward. After Diaz’s departure, Jerry Stensgar joined as bass player until Greywolf officially disbanded.
With intentions to become a recording engineer instead of a songwriter, Jim attended the Recording Workshop in Chillicothe, Ohio in the early 80's. He didn't start writing his own songs until the age of thirty, penning lyrics about Native American issues placed to contemporary music. He met Sherman Alexie at the Columbia Folk Festival in Spokane when Alexie was preparing his first movie, Smoke Signals on Miramax. He asked Boyd to write songs for the soundtrack. The first song Jim wrote, "Father and Farther," became the movie's central theme. "Music is Jim's voice," Alexie had said. "With his music, he is more courageous, more passionate, more extroverted. He is a gentleman, tender and funny in his private life, and brash and courageous on his public stage. I love them both."
Jim had four songs featured in the Miramax motion picture Smoke Signals, which were also included on the TVT Records soundtrack. He also recorded music for Warner Bros. books on tape, Indian Killer.
In 2001, Jim released AlterNatives, which received Record of the Year by the Native American Music Awards.
released Kyo-t, LIVE, which was Jim’s four-piece band at that time.
songs with contemporary music in an Americana vein. Jim said “although it was a tribute to the Stick Games, it was also a tribute to Hidden Beach, which is on Twin Lakes where I used to play this game when I was younger.” Them Old Guitars was released in 2005, of which the title song was a tribute to Boyd’s childhood friend and bandmate, Jerry Stensgar. Jerry passed away at the age of fifty. Live At Two Rivers was released in 2006 by the Jim Boyd Band and featured the songs “Inchelium: and “Rebel Moon” which were later released on a compilation recording in France.
In 2007, Jim released Blues to Bluegrass, which was called a “true American gem” and he received Artist of the Year from the Native American Music Awards. In 2010, Jim recorded and released Voices From The Lakes, a more traditional release featuring cedar flutes, drums, and lyrics that were inspired by the history of the Arrow Lakes People. Jim released a twelve-song Cd entitled, Harley High, in 2011 that was recorded in Nashville and engineered by Grammy award winner Bobby Bradley. Harley High was a mainstream rock recording that portrayed Jim’s love for riding Harley Davidsons.
In 2013, Jim re-mastered and re-released, UNITY, originally released in 1993. This year, Jim released, Bridge Creek Road, featuring an album cover photo of him performing from the last awards ceremony which he had just submitted for nomination consideration in the upcoming Native American Music Awards. 
Following news about Jim Boyd’s death, his wife, Shelly wrote in a Facebook post...
According to the Associated Press, a trustee of Trudell's estate, Cree Miller, confirmed John Trudell died of cancer on Tuesday morning, December 8th at his home in Santa Clara County in Northern California surrounded by family and friends. He was 69 years of age.
