The 13th Annual Native American Music Award

Ahkwesahsne is a hotbed of talent if one really thinks about it and the one most recently recognized for her singing and songwriting talent is “BearFox”.  On October 7th, she was awarded a Nammy for the Debut Artist Category for the song “Rich Girl”.

The Event Center was filled at the Seneca Niagara Hotel and Casino,  her name was announced “And the winner is.........Bear Fox.” Theresa has thought of this moment for so long and now the moment is here, her patience and hard work has begun to pay off.  As she walked acroos the floor, the applauses and cheers carried her across that carpet towards the stage.  In disbelief, Bear accepted her NAMA Award as she wiped her tear drawn face.  Her speech was sweet, just like her.

 “I can’t believe this is happening, she said,” I want to thank my family, friends and community for all the support they have given to me.  All the songs I write have a good message.  Our native people have had so many struggles along the way and we are still here.  Niawen, especially to my husband Sky who has pushed me so much. When I wrote Rich Girl, we would go into a car and he had me sing that song about a hundred times to memorize it. I felt like Loretta Lynn.

Niawenkowa Sewakwekon!” The talent throughout the night was just overwhelming and the company was so nice. The night began with Bill Crouse, Seneca, welcoming the entire audience as he shared words of thanks.  He is very knowledgeable about Culture and is well known for his singing and dancing.  He had a group of dancers that performed to open the night. The first one to honor was Sky Woman with the Womens Dance. Next were the male dancers doing the Iroquoian War Dance. The last two were the Smoke Dancers done by male and female. Beautiful performances to start off a beautiful night.

Joanne Shenandoah,well-known and loved, greeted everyone and introduced NHLer Ted Nolan as the featured guest for the evening.  Ted’s life as a young boy and his love for hockey began as many of our own hockey players do.  He had the drive which eventually took him to success in the professional world of hockey.  

Ted was presented with the Jim Thorpe Sports Award sponsored by NAMA.

Mark Brown and the Blues Crew from Alaska gave a sampling of their music being the greatest rock/blues band.  In 2010, their band was nominated as Debut Artist at this NAMA event.

The attendees had the pleasure of meeting Nokie Edwards, who is now 76 and still has the ability to raise the roof with his guitar playing skills. Nokie is a Cherokee from Oklahoma and people may remember him for his songs, “Wipeout,” and “Pipeline,” along with so many others. He began to play guitar at age 5 and by the time he was 13, he had become professional. He is a Rock and Roll 2008 Hall of Famer for being the lead and Master on lead guitar.  He sure gave the audience a great and memorable show.