2005 Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards Nominee Biographies

2005 Canadian Aboriginal Music AwardsNominee BiographiesJohn Arcand (Metis)Nomination: Best Fiddle AlbumCD: Thru the YearsOriginally from the Debden, Saskatchewan, Arcand now makes his home south ofSaskatoon. He started playing fiddle at the age six, with coaching from his father andgrandfather. He has since developed and refined a style of playing that has helped himbecome a legend in the fiddle world, with ten recordings to date and over 200 originalcompositions. His passion for the preservation of the Métis Traditions, old time fiddlingand work with youth were recognized in March 2003 when he received the NationalAboriginal Achievement Award for Arts and Culture.Asani (Cree, Metis)Nominations: Best Female Traditional/Cultural Roots Album, Best Songwriter (‘Bill C-31Blues’ and ‘Iskewesis’), Best Hand Drum AlbumCD: Rattle & DrumSheryyl Sewepagaham, Sara Pocklington and Debbie Houle formed Asani, acontemporary a cappella Aboriginal women’s trio hailing from Alberta, in 1997. Carryingthe traditional influences of First Nations and Metis music, Asani’s repertoire iscomprised primarily of original compositions in Woodland Cree and English. Theirmusical styles encompass the spectrum from songs that reflect their musical traditionsaccompanied by drums and rattles, to the contemporary sounds of jazz, folk and blues.

Big River Cree (Cree)Nomination: Best Hand Drum AlbumCD: Together AgainWell known throughout Canada and the United States for their unique style of singing,Big River Cree are from the Big River First Nation in northern Saskatchewan. Big Riverformed in the early 1990’s by extended members of the Whitefish family, honouring theirgrandparents’ teachings and guidance in hand drum skill. The group travels to rounddances through the winter, and in the summer travel the Pow Wow trail to performacross North America.Blackstone Singers (Cree)Nomination: Best Pow Wow Album ContemporaryCD: Back in the DayThe Blackstone Singers, from Sweetgrass First Nation in Saskatchewan, are one of theelite Pow Wow groups in North America. The group began performing and competingtogether in 1987 and took its name in hounour of their Grandfather Blackstone. In 1996,the group won the World Championship Pow Wow competition in Hartford, Connecticut.Since 1990, the Blackstone Singers have made over 20 recordings of their Pow Wowsongs and round dances.Dave Boulanger & Angela QuadracciaNomination: Best Album Cover DesignCD: HometownNo biography is available at this time.Jason Burnstick (Cree)Nominations: Best Instrumental Album, Best International Album,CD: BurnWhile his family is from the Duffield Reserve just outside Edmonton, Burnstick has calledVancouver, British Columbia home for the past 10 years. Burnstick’s interest in musicstemmed from his family’s guidance and support, and the pivotal blues influence of hisolder brothers. The sounds and rhythms of Latin music have also influenced his styleand passion has led him to pick up other instruments along the way. Ultimately,Burnstick strives to always play from the heart and stay true to his Cree roots. He hasperformed with Tara McLean, rock group Jeffery Sez, and Kanatan Aski.

Burnt Project 1Nominations: Best Rock Album, Best Producer/Engineer (Producers: Danny Schur andDave Boulanger, Engineer: Morgan Whitwell), Best Group or Duo, Album of the Year,Best Album Cover DesignCD: HometownIf music is the universal language, then Burnt Project 1’s message is clear: their musicbreaks down barriers and builds bridges, creating unity in diversity. Based in Winnipeg,Manitoba, the group formed in 1999 and has evolved to include David Boulanger(vocals, acoustic guitar), Marc Baureiss (electric guitar), Peter Baureiss (persussion),David Cramer (harmonica), Atik Mason (bass), and Neewa Mason (keyboard andvocals). The eleven-member ensemble generates a powerful sound that defies categoryby blending blues, jazz, rock, funk and traditional First Nations influences into a uniquemusical expression.J.C. CampbellNominations: Best Folk Album, Best CountryCD: Life Up Till NowBio unavailable at this time.Chickadee MCNomination: Best Rap or Hip Hop AlbumCD: FlyNatashia Cardinal AKA Chickadee MC, from Edmonton, Alberta; is one of the bestknown female native rappers in Canada. She began performing at open-mic events in2001, and first came to public attention in 2002 as the first lady of the native hip-hopgroup Reddnation. Now embarking on a solo career, Chickadee has also appeared onthe native hop-hop compilation “The Rizing – The Best of Native Hip-Hop 2004”, whichwas nominated for Best Compilation at the 2004 Native American Music Awards inArizona.Jeari CzaplaNominations: Best Blues Album, Best InstrumentalCD: DolceCzapla is a three time Canadian nominated jazz guitarist, director of Czapla Music Inc.,an author of his own music curriculum “Opus One”, director of Czapla Music Studiobased in Alberta and executive producer for two very successful albums entitled For Ellaand Dolce, which was short listed at the 2004 Grammy Awards and features some of themost sought after jazz musicians in Western Canada.

Ryan D’Aoust (Metis)Nomination: Best Fiddle AlbumCD: Southside of the StringsD’Aoust is a 15-year-old left-handed fiddler from Norway House, Manitoba. With both hisfather and grandfather playing the fiddle, D’Aoust’s talent and love of music comesnaturally. Playing since the age of 10, he has studied with such fiddle greats as CalvinVolrath (Grand North American Old Tyme Fiddle Champion), John Arcand (Master MetisFiddle Player) and instructor Cameron Baggins. Playing at numerous special eventsincluding fundraisers, jig festivals, square dance and open fiddle competitions, D’Aousthas developed a distinctive style that’s both smooth and innovative, and his growth as amusician continues to mature at a phenomenal rate.Kimberley DawnNomination: Best Song/SingleSingle: “Spirit of Our People”From Winnipeg, Manitoba, Dawn has had a passion for music since early childhood,singing along to Elvis and The Beatles while using a hairbrush as a microphone. Herfirst taste of fame while singing at the Winnipeg Folk Festival at the tender age of eightwith entertainer Bob Schneider would only fueled her dream to have a career in music.Since her humble beginnings Dawn has recorded two full length offerings, Lily, in tributeto her grandmother and I’m Going Home, which earned her nominations for BestFemale Artist and Best Country Album at the 2003 Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards.Beatrice Deer (Inuk)Nomination: Best Inuit Cultural AlbumCD: Just BeaBorn and raised in the small sea village of Quaqtaq in northern Quebec, Deer begansinging at the age of 16 in churches within her community. She recorded her debutalbum, Just Bea, with her husband and main collaborator Charles Keelan.Diga (Tlicho)Nominations: Best Male Artist, Best Folk ArtistCD: Earth is CryingDiga is a Tlicho (Dogrib) musician from Fort Rae, located 100 kilometres northwest ofYellowknife. His music reflects the wide variety of history and culture of the region, andcan best be described as Alternative/Native, with the sprit of traditional drumdancetranslated through the modern medium of the guitar. His musical style continues toevolve with its roots anchored in the rich influences of Kashtin, Carols Santana, JimiHendrix, Enigma, Roy Buchanan and traditional Dogrib music.

Eagle & Hawk (Ojibway, Metis)Nomination: Best Song/SingleCD: Indian SummerSince 1994, Manitoba’s Eagle & Hawk have emerged as a leading sound incontemporary Aboriginal music. By infusing a mixture of modern rock, and acommitment to sharing a perspective on Aboriginal life, Eagle & Hawk has emerged as amusical leader. The band has toured extensively throughout Canada, the United Statesas well as over 10 tours of Europe. Their 4th recording, On & On, won the 2002 Juno inthe ‘Best music of Aboriginal Canada’ category. The next album, Mother Earth, receivedthree awards at the 2004 Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards including Best Song, BestSongwriter and Best Album.Eekwol (Cree)Nomination: Best Rap or Hip Hop AlbumCD: Apprentice to the MysteryEekwol is from Muskoday First Nation and takes pride in Hip-Hop and Indigenousculture. She is currently one of the main artists of the independent label, MilsProductions, which she co-owns with her producer/bother, Mils. Through their originalmusic they display their activist roots by living and creating as supporters of both hip hopand Indigenous culture and rights.ForeverNominations: Best Group or Duo, Best Music Video (Something to Dream Of), BestRock AlbumCD: Something to Dream OfForever is a hard driving aboriginal rock band, composed of veteran musicians withdecades of road, studio, and songwriting experience between them. Hailing from CapeBreton, Nova Scotia, their brand of rock takes elements of both classic and modern rockand combines that with vocal and musical hooks to create an energetic blend of bothrock and east coast music. In the past 3 years, Forever have received 2 MIANS Awards(2003 and 2005) and two ECMA Awards (2004, 2005) as well as a nomination for “BestVideo” for their debut release ”Welcome to Forever”.Grey Buffalo (Cree, Saulteaux)Nomination: Best Pow Wow Album ContemporaryCD: Live at the Long PlainsA northern style Pow Wow singing ensemble, the 22 members of Grey Buffalo are fromthe Gordon First Nation in Saskatchewan. Members include "Lead Buffalo" LeeTootoosis and Jeff Longman, "Buffalo" William Whitehawk and Jason Bitternose, and"Buffaloettes" Laurie Bear and Kaitlin Ironstar. Grey Buffalo travels to many differentlocations across Canada for gatherings and celebrations. Their belief is to maintain theirnative culture through song and dance, and also by being involved in other culturalevents.

Edward Gamblin (Ojibway)Nomination: Best Song/SingleCD: Cree RoadFrom Norway House, Manitoba, Gamblin has been entertaining people with his musicaltalents for almost 40 years. He has written and recorded more than 60 original songs onnumerous albums and has performed in many venues throughout Turtle Island. Inspiredby the writing style of John Fogerty, the musical sound of Waylon Jennings and hismusical collaboration with Dough Sahm, you will hear these musical influences inprevious hits such as “Soldier Blue”, which portrays a story about Wounded Knee, and“Don’t Blame it on the Rain”, a song about the holocaust. Gamblin is currently theTreatment Coordinator at the Aboriginal Healing Foundation.Tanya ‘Tagaq’ Gillis (Inuit)Nominations: Best Female Artist, Best Female Traditional/Cultural Roots Album, BestProducer/Engineer, Best Album Cover Design and Best Inuit Cultural AlbumCD: SinaaBorn and raised in Cambridge Bay, Nunavut, Gillis left her community at 15 to attend SirJohn Franklin High School. Continuing her education, she attained her Bachelor of FineArts and the Nova Scotia College of Art & Design. During her final year of school, wearyof ‘southern’ culture and yearning for home, she began emulating tapes of throat singingsent by her mother. Throat singing is a traditional vocal game between two women, butsince Tagaq had no partner to sing with, she began to develop a contemporary andemotional style of throat singing all her own. Tagaq has performed at festivals and operahouses throughout the world, and has collaborated with Bjork and Kronos Quartet.High Noon (Cree)Nomination: Best Pow Wow Album TraditionalCD: The Way it All BeganSimon Noon and Dan Thunderchild of the Thunderchild Reserve, Saskachewan formedthe drum group High Noon in 1976. Other founding members include Ted Noon, RonNoon, Roger Noon, and Kelly Meetoos. Over the past 28 years, High Noon has followedthe original style of singing, traveling throughout Canada and the United States. Thegroup has won numerous singing and drumming contests, including 6 World DrumChampionship titles at the annual Schemitzun Pow Wow in Mashantucket, Connecticut.In 2002, they won the Gathering of Nations Drum Championship in Albuquerque NewMexico.

ElizaBeth Hill (Mohawk)Nominations: Best Female Traditional/Cultural Roots Album, Album of the YearCD: Peacemaker’s LullabyHill is a folk singer-songwriter from the Six Nations of Grand River territory, located nearBrantford, Ontario. Her songs are often described as candid portraits with culturalimpact, where both laughter and tears are common. The roots of her music are intraditional country and have been schooled in the Nashville songwriting scene for morethan a decade, but are steeped for a lifetime in her Iroquoian culture. Her most recentCD, Peacemaker’s Lullaby was co-produced by Bob Doidge (Gordon Lightfoot, U2, AniDiFranco, Bruce Cockburn) at Grand Avenue Studios in Hamilton.Hank Horton (Metis)Nomination: Best Country AlbumCD: Honky Tonk Heartache BluesAbie Parenteau who’s stage name is “Hank Horton” is a singer/songwriter who grew upin the small Northern community of Duck Bay, Manitoba. He is a proud aboriginal andthe son of a Metis leader and hopes to inspire others with his music about the joys andhardship’s of life. He formed the Ramblers in the 1960’s and entertained in variousvenues in Winnipeg and in the late 1970’s won his first prize in the “Western Hour TalentShow” after which he traveled to Nashville to meet some of his inspirations.Just The Boyz (Metis)Nomination: Best Country AlbumCD: Shotgun RiderFormerly the Country Boys this band got their name with a “Name the Band” contest.They signed their first recording contract after entering a “Battle of the Bands” in IslandLake. Since then the band has been performing consistently across Canada and lookforward to the future endeavors.Donna KayNomination: Best Female Artist, Best SongwriterCD: Full CircleSinger, songwriter and percussionist Donna Kay knew from an early age that she wasdestined for music with native ghost dance drumming influencing her future. Growing upand spending most of her life on the shores of Saskatchewan's Ministikwan Lake, theOkotoks, Alberta based musician knew the sounds of the drum would stay with herforever. Her music blends the styles of her influences ranging from R& B, rock and roll,disco and country.

Kelly Kiyoshk (Anishnabe)Nomination: Best Instrumental AlbumCD: ManidoHailing from Walpole Island, Ontario, Kiyoshk is a self taught musician who beganplaying the flute eight years ago, after an instrument was gifted to him by flute playerand carver Juan Cruz. His CD Manido, which means ‘spirit’ in Anishnabe, was inspiredby listening to other musicians, and by listening to the flute itself, allowing the instrumentto create its own music through him.Little HawkNominations: Best Male Artist, Best Folk Album, Album of the YearCD: 1492-1975Troy Westwood (Little Hawk) co-founded Eagle & Hawk in 1993 with Vince Fontaine.Troy’s contribution to the band included lyrics and lead vocals. During the time Troywas a part of Eagle & Hawk, the band released 2 albums, earned a Juno in 2002 forBest Aboriginal Recording and toured extensively in Canada and Europe. As demandfor Eagle & Hawk grew, Troy was forced to leave the band to focus on his footballcareer, playing with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the CFL. In November 2000, Troybegan writing his first solo project. Telling the story of several historical events througha vivid and haunting lyrical presentation, and blended with a mystical and enchantingmusical feel, 1492-1975 was completed in fall 2004 with Chris Burke-Gaffney, LukeMcMaster and Ray ‘Co-Co’ Stevenson contributing. Troy has also signed a world widedistribution deal with Arbor Records/EMI.Lisa Meeches & Kyle IrvingNomination: Best Television Program or SpecialShows: “First Nation Invasion,” “Ray St. Germaine,” “Red Man’s Blues”Meeches is an Executive Producer and the President of Eagle Vision Inc. and MeechesVideo Productions, two Winnipeg-based production companies. She is also theExecutive Producer, and Co-Host of The Sharing Circle currently in production for itsthirteenth season. Her began her career in 1986 with the Winnipeg-based Native MediaNetwork where she worked compiling radio reports for a native talk show. Herprofessional work experience then broadened to include news reporting for CraigBroadcasting Systems in Manitoba and Alberta. Irving oversees the development,production, sales, and distribution of television and film products for both Eagle Visionand Meeches Video Productions. Currently he is producing the documentary CanSpellfor Global and on the feature film Capote, staring Philip Seymour Hoffman, Chris Cooperand Catherine Keener, for MGM/UA.

Nadjiwan (Ojibway)Nominations: Best Male ArtistCD: BeginBorn in northern Manitoba and now calling Toronto home, Marc Nadjiwan has toured thecountry and his music has been nominated on both sides of the border (2002 NativeAmerican Music Awards and 2000 Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards). Nadjiwan hasshared the stage with musicians Blue Rodeo, Gord Downie, Ron Sexsmith and theSkydiggers.Northern Cree (Cree)Nomination: Best Hand Drum AlbumCD: Sweethearts ShuffleThe Northern Cree Singers of Saddle Lake, Alberta are one of the top Pow Wow groupsin North America. They have won numerous championships at countless celebrationsthroughout Canada and the USA, and have recorded 22 albums. Their 8th CD, Live atthe Lummi, was nominated for a Juno Award in 1996 and was a finalist for Best NativeAmerican Album by the Association of Independent Music. In 1998, Northern Creeprovided music and were filmed for the major theatrical film Grey Owl, starring PierceBrosnan. Their 9th recording, Dance Hard, was a finalist for the Pow Wow Album of theYear at the Canaidan Aboriginal Music Awards. Rockin the Rez was awarded a NAMMYand was nominated for a Grammy Award. Still Rezin’ also received a Grammynomination.Painted Horse (Cree, Blood, Blackfoot, Peigan, Tsuii Tina)Nominations: Best Pow Wow Album TraditionalCD: Blackfoot SongsThe Painted Horse singers hail from the Cree, Blood, Blackfoot, Peigan and Tsuii TinaNations. Most of the group members began singing with their grandfathers, fathers andother respected singers during their youth, and formed due to their mutual love of PowWow. The group chose their name in honour of the war pony and the similarity of thehorse trot to music. Painted Horse have performed at various contests and Pow Wowsacross the United States and Canada, and placed in the top 10 at the WorldChampionships in Connecticut in 1995.Donny Parenteau (Metis)Nomination: Best Producer/EngineerCD: The Great UnknownBorn and raised in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, Parenteau picked up the fiddle at theage of fifteen. His heritage is often recognized when he lays down his own feel of Metisfiddle music. During his career, Parenteau has performed on stage at Grand Ole’ Opry,Crook and Chase, Nashville Now, Prime Time Country and appearing on The TonightShow with Jay Leno. He has also had the opportunity to perform on the same stage asthe following artists: Merle Haggard, Buck Owens, Charlie Pride, Loretta Lynn, RebaMcEntire, Garth Brooks, Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Shania Twain, and many more.

Perfect StormNomination: Best Pow Wow Album ContemporaryCD: KipehtenHailing from Hobbema, Alberta, Perfect Storm is an aboriginal singing group, consideredto be one of the elite groups in Pow Wow circles. Formed in November of 2002 andmade ther debut at the veterans Pow Wow in Ermineskin. The group was awarded 1stplace at the International Peace Pow Wow in 2003. The majority of their songs arecomposed by Perfect Storm with the exception of songs gifted to the group by otherartists.Oscar Poza & MontseNomination: Best Album Cover DesignCD: SinaaNo biography is available at this time.Carl Quinn (Cree)Nominations: Best Songwriter, Best Rock AlbumCD: Ni OtotemBorn at the Saddle Lake Cree Nation in Alberta, Quinn received his first guitar at the ageof 15; a big investment for a family of twelve living below the poverty line. He taughthimself to play and began emulating the music of the 60’s and 70’s. The value of theCree language and its retention for future generations has been a goal for Quinn, andhis idea for a Cree album arouse out of a need to expand the areas that the Creelanguage is used, and to also capture the interest of younger generations.Joanne Shenandoah (Iroquois)Nomination: Best International AlbumCD: SkywomanShenanandoah is a multiple award winning Native American composer, vocalist andperformer. She is a Wolf Clan member of the Iroquois Confederacy – Oneida Nation,and calls Oneida, NY home. Shenandoah has 14 recordings of her music and hasappeared on over 40 different compilations. Her original compositions combined with herstriking voice enables her to embellish the ancient songs of the Iroquois using a blend oftraditional and contemporary instrumentation. She has performed at the White House,Kennedy Center, Woodstock 94, and at various state fairs both national andinternational.South ThunderbirdNominations: Best Group or Duo, Best Blues AlbumCD: Tough GoSouth Thunderbird is a blues band from Winnipeg, Manitoba. Their influences includeblues legends such as Sonny Boy Williamson, Howlin' Wolf, Colin James and StevieRay Vaughan. The group consists of Isaac Mandamin (lead vocals/lead guitar), LucVanderdonckt (drums), Kris Soderman (rhythm/lead guitar) and Ron Bedard (bass).

Gillian Thomson and IntellifunkNomination: Best Female ArtistCD: IntellifunkIntellifunk is family members Gillian Thomson (lead vocals), Jamie Thomson (guitar),Robert Thomson (bass) and friend Trevor Ainsworth (drums). Their music style is acombination of blues, funk, jazz, hip hop and rock. Their self-titled debut CD has earnedthe band appearances on APTN, CBC Television, CBC Radio, and performances atnumerous festivals across British Columbia.Eric Voice (Algonquin)Nomination: Best Music VideoVideo track: Find A WayVoice was born in Kingston, Ontario and is a member of the Algonquins of PikwanaganFirst Nation in Ontario. Choosing modern rock as his medium to express his artistic andcultural ideas, he weaves native ideas and concepts through mainstream music creatinga unique and enriching sound. His band also includes Doug Smith (lead, rhythm,acousitc guitar and vocals). Voice has been featured on CBC Television’s Musicworks,APTN-the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network’s First Music And Arts, MuchMusicand has performed at numerous festivals throughout Ontario.Wabanag (Metis)Nomination: Best International AlbumCD: UlodiYovan Nagwetch (Little Sun) is a Metis from Quebec who emigrated to Finland in thelate 90s were he founded Waganag, gathering around him young musicians interestedby the music of his native ancestors, the Wabanaki, a confederacy of indigenous nationson the East Coast of Canada and the USA. His music has evolved from so called “IndianRock” to the more ethnic sound that can be heard on Wabanag’s latest offering, Ulodi.The record mixes ancient and natural instruments – stones, wooden sticks, musicalbows, flutes, frame drums, seeds – with the rhythms and sounds of world, roots, folk,rock and R&B. The lyrics, composed by Yovan, are sung in the Wabanaki language.Walking SpiritNominations: Best Album Cover, Best Pow Wow Album TraditionalCD: Walking SpiritWalking Spirit is a traditional style drum group from the Red Pheasant First Nation inSaskatchewan. The group started singing at a young age and formed Walking Spirit in1996, with the name given to the band by their grandmother. The band follows the powwow trail in North America, competing or hosting at several each year. During the winterWalking Spirit travel to round dances to share their traditional songs.

War PartyNomination: Best Rap or Hip Hop AlbumCD: The ResidenceInspired by modern rap and hip hop and driven by the injustices inflicted on NativeAmericans, the music and message of War Party tells a remarkable story of courage,honesty and determination. War Party’s music focuses on the trials and tribulations ofcoming from a socially, politically and economically deprived environment, such as theFirst Nation reserves of North America, while still being a voice of hope andempowerment. War Party has gained recognition for their music on MuchMusic, theCBC, APTN and international attention via a sponsorship by Tommy Hilfiger at the 2002Telus World Ski & Snow Boarding Music FestivalPamela Whitecalf (Cree, Ojibway)Nominations: Best Album Cover DesignCD: Whitefish Jrs.-Round Dance, on the Trail I-94Whitecalf graduated from the Visual Communications Program at Medicine Hat Collegein 2000, and has promptly made a name for herself in the design and art world. Within amonth of graduation Whitecalf won the award for Best Album Design for Little IslandCree’s Indian Country at the 2000 CAMAs. She quickly followed that by winning thesame award for her work for Whitefish Jr’s Cree Man in 2001 and Spirit Whistle in 2002.Skilled in computer-based graphics, Whitecalf is also a gifted artist in the moretraditional art of her Cree/Objibway heritage. She now resides in Ontario and ownsFeather Rock Concepts, a graphic design company.The WolfPack (Mohawk)Nomination: Best Blues AlbumCD: Family ThangThe WolfPack is a family of siblings, Darren, James, Chad, Jason, Troy and FaithMartin, all aged 23-30. Formed in 1993 in Six Nations, Ontario, Darren, James andChad began playing regularly in local night clubs, performing classics from RitchieValens, Ben E. King and Buddy Holly. As the younger siblings became good enoughmusicians to perform, they were added to the groups lineup. The WolfPack claimed theBest Blues Album award at the 2003 Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards and BestGroup or Duo at the 2004 ceremony, and have performed with Susan Agulkark.