Awards held with Canadian powwow

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The Skydome in Toronto will be the scene of the first Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards presented by Casino Rama on Dec. 2 to 5. The event will run in conjunction with the 6th annual Canadian Aboriginal Festival and Powwow. The awards will showcase and acknowledge the diverse talents of Canadian Aboriginal musicians.

"The casino hopes to provide professional opportunities for Aboriginal musicians in all aspects of the industry," said Casino Rama's vice president Ted Williams.

"Never before has there been a national program that focuses exclusively on Canadian Aboriginal music. People are often surprised when I tell them that this is the first of its kind," said awards co-ordinator Bobby Robert. "Unlike the Juno Awards where there is usually only one category for Aboriginals to enter, we are offering 23," she said.

The categories include: Best Producer; Best Engineer; Best Album Design; Best Powwow Album - Traditional; Best Powwow Album - Contemporary; Best Traditional Album - Historical; Best Contemporary Album - Traditional; Best Rock Album; Best Blues; Best Jazz; Best Gospel Album; Best Rap; Best Hip Hop or Pop; Best New Age or Alternative Album; Best Country; Best Folk Album; Best Song; Best Group or Duo; Best Male Artist; Best Female Artist; Best Music Video; Best Instrumental Album; Best Song Writer; and Best Children's Album.

Also included is three award categories based on community nominations - the Keeper of Traditions Award, the Lifetime Contributions Award, and the Music Industry Award.

Three finalists from every category will be invited to attend the awards ceremony in December.

"In mid-October finalists will be announced. Performers for the evening will be chosen from the finalists. Advance tickets for the awards ceremony are available through Ticketmaster in Ontario," said Robert. "Musicians will not know who the winner is until the night of the awards. So a lot of people will be on pins and needles," she said.