The 16th Annual Native American Music Awards

It was that time again, September 17, 2016, to head down to Salamanca Seneca Alleghany Casino. The winners of the Native American Music Awards were announced. Voting took place weeks prior to the musical event as the nominees were listed and announced at the ceremony. Before the doors opened at the center, friends, singers, actors, dancers and photographers gathered.

The big night was filled with feelings of emotions of sadness, memories, happiness and excitement as a whole. The curtains opened and moments of silence were observed for two nominees and winners honored only last year. They were Jim Boyd and John Trudell, sadly missed by so many. Jim was honored for his Lifetime Achievement for his outstanding contributions. John was honored for Living Legend Award along with two other awards.

Songs of welcome were played by the Coyote Band led by Seneca Steve Norton, as we listened to Suzie Q and Old Time Rock and Roll played. These songs put the audience right in the mood.

Words of welcome were shared by NAMA's president as she said, "Music soothes, heals and prevails." She then acknowledged members of Standing Rock as they took the stage for a few words. They sent good words to all Nations present and who have been giving such enormous support. A CD was for sale that night called, "Water Is Life." The theme of the importance of water was very evident and the whole audience agreed.

President John of the Seneca Nation took to the podium next and said, "I am so humbled to see Standing Rock. We are going to help make that big black snake STOP!"

The MC for the night was well known comedian and actor Paul Rodriquez, a descendant of Mexican and Native American parents. An opening line he spoke was, "It's about time a woman was President, they run everything else."

There was so much talent on that stage. It was worth every moment of the evening. One of the first guests and winner of the Living Legend Award was elder Saginaw Grant at 80 years old. He appeared in many films and on T.V. including The Lone Ranger and Breaking Bad and so many more. Saginaw is the Hereditary Chief and respected member of the Sac and Fox, Iowa and Otoa Missouria Nation.

Next to perform was Theresa Bear Fox of Ahkwesasne. As she spoke she mentioned the struggles about water at Standing Rock where she recently visited to give support, "Water is Life," and she was honored in one of her songs along with "Kontiwennahawi" singers, Liz Nanticoke, Iawentas Nanticoke, Katsitsionni Fox and Maxine Cole. Bear's songs are still traveling to many parts of the country as she spreads the word of love of humanity and the natural world.

A tribute to John Trudell was given by a poet Thana Redhawk along with many career pictures of John in a slideshow. He had won the Living Legend Award last year before his passing in December. He was a poet, recording artist, actor and speaker who made his mark in many parts of the world.

Jim Boyd was also given a final farewell as he left us this past June. He too had been presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award for his countless achievements in the musical field and songs featured in four movies. He had also performed with many established musicians. On hand to receive his award was his family; six children and his wife. He hailed from the Coville Reservation. His final tribute was performed by longtime friend drummer Alfonzo Kolb, Keith Secola, and Sage Bond.

Another popular duo gave a hilarious show, Williams and Ree, (The Indian and the White Guy). They have also performed with Garth Brooks, The Oak Ridge Boys, and Tim McGraw to name a few. This year they received NAMA 2016 Entertainers of the Year.

The Debut Artist Award was presented to Logan Staats for "Goodbye Goldia." He is an up and coming talented performer and is a member of the Six Nations. We will be hearing more from him as time goes on.

A special honoree of the night was Taboo, a founding member of the pop group "Black Eyed Peas." He is Shoshone and had written a book called "Fallen Up." In this he writes about his grandma, Nanny Aurora. He and his group have so many accomplishments including six Grammy Awards, over 300 tour dates, Super Bowl XLV Halftime Show and 76 million albums and singles. They began in 1995 as a West Coast rap group. Taboo is an excellent role model for Native American Youth to show them anything is possible.

Spencer Battiest began with his music career at age 11, where he sang the National Anthem on T.V. for ESPN NHL hockey game. He is rising and is becoming a popular pop/R&B artist. His background is Seminole from Florida. We will continue to hear more about his successes. He has performed as an opener for Aerosmith and The Police. He has also begun acting and is working with award winning filmmaker Steven Paul Judd, Kiowa/Choctaw.

These names mentioned, were only a fraction of the total list of winners. Check the rest of the list on social media under Native American Music Awards winners.

We were very fortunate to be able to attend this event honoring Native American talent from across the country. The Salamanca area and the home of the Seneca Alleghany Casino is very beautiful with its green rolling hills and foliage turning to the colors of fall.