Saskatchewan Indigenous Music Awards

A first of its kind awards show in Saskatchewan, and for that matter, all of Canada is coming to Prince Albert.

The Saskatchewan Indigenous Music Awards have been scheduled to take place Sunday, Nov. 12 at the E.A. Rawlinson Centre.

Donny Parenteau is President of the Saskatchewan Indigenous Music Association Board and explained the idea for the event popped into his head about two years ago after seeing awards shows that only had one category for Indigenous music.

“I wanted to recognize all the Indigenous talent that’s in Saskatchewan because there is so much of it, but it’s unheard,” he said.

Parenteau added the reason so much music isn’t heard is because some of the artists can’t get to a studio to record. And so, as part of the nomination process that wrapped up last week, entries were allowed by a variety of means including YouTube links.

The awards show itself next will include 10 separate awards categories, as well as seven live performances from artists including Donny Parenteau, Roland Corrigal, Yvonne St. Germaine, and Teagan Littlechief.

And among those 10 categories is a special legacy recognition that has been named in honor of well-respected artist Willard Ahenakew. Parenteau said when the naming idea for the award was pitched to the board, the response was unanimously in favour. Ahenakew currently resides at a long-term care home in Prince Albert.

“We reached out to Willard, his family, and they’re just ecstatic that there’s going to be an award named after him,” Parenteau said.

Tickets for November’s event are $27.75 and can be purchased through the E.A. Rawlinson Centre. The online link is available here: https://bit.ly/3tqOwgg

Noting the hard work that goes into planning an event of this size, Parenteau said he’s already thinking about next year and the year after that.

“And we want this to go until I can finally say to somebody take the reigns but don’t drop it because it’s too good of an idea and this needs to continue,” he said.

The nomination list

Country / Roots Person or Group of the Year
JJ Lavallee
Jarrid Lee
Berk Jodoin

Emerging Artist of the Year (18 & under)
Julianna Parenteau
Brindan

Fan’s Choice of the Year
Jarrid Lee
Nige B
Berk Jodoin
Donny Corrigal
Rebecca Strong
Glen Strong
Melodie Gliem

Female Artist of the Year
Falynn Baptiste
Allison Rae Strong

Gospel Recording of the Year
Mervin and Marsha Morin
Sundance brass

Instrumentalist of the Year
Sean Bougie
Parker Nabis
Velcro Stories ft. Nige B

Male Artist of the Year
Donny Corrigal
Berk Jodoin
Shawn Adams
JJ Lavallee
Patrick Moon Bird

Rock / Heavy Metal / Rap Person or Group of the Year
Nige B
Andrew Russell
Melodie Gliem

Song of the Year
Nige B
JJ Lavallee
Shawn Adams
Donny Corrigal
Jarrid Lee

Willard Ahenakew Award
To Be Announced

Tickets are available here: https://bit.ly/3tqOwgg

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