EEYOU ISTCHEE ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS WINNERS

OUJÉ-BOUGOUMOU, April 4, 2011 - The Cree Native Arts & Crafts Association (CNACA) is proud to announce the winners of the first CNACA - Eeyou Istchee Achievement Awards. This event took place in Nemaska on March 31, 2011.

The CNACA - Eeyou Istchee Achievement Awards honours Cree talent from Eeyou Istchee.  The award is given to individual(s) for their contribution to the Music Industry Category in Eeyou Istchee.

This three-hour showcase featured performances by the winners of the CNACA - Eeyou Istchee Achievement Awards. The Cree winners are:

Melisa Pash from Chisasibi for her contribution to the Music Industry in Eeyou Istchee. She has been blazing new trails for the Cree Arts Industry since the launch of her professional career as an artist.   She has been a pioneer in Cree Music from a young age from being the first in her nation to study the cello, launch a high definition music video in the form of a short movie and the first to win a Canadian Aboriginal Music Award in 2007.   Asides from performing Melisa expands her creativity to producing entire movie soundtracks, modeling and is regularly seen on a variety on television shows. Her latest project includes the production of her own television show, where she can focus on sharing her music, spreading her message of light and joy and pursue her new passion in helping others.

Kenny Mianscum from Ouje-Bougoumou for his contribution to the Music Industry in Eeyou Istchee. At the age of 17, Kenny heard the traditional drum for the first time, and this instrument instantly made an impact in his life.  He would sit down and listen to his father sing with the traditional drum.  It is the sound of this instrument that he never could forget, and he always felt that, one-day, he would love to include this instrument in a song.  Kenny has recorded many albums such as N'dee'nee'miitche, Kway, and coordinated other community recording projects with local community artist.  He also co-produced and partnered with Richard Bosum on Mandaau.  The last recording he did is called "Sunrise Prayer Offering".   In 2009, the Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards recognized him for his work. He was selected as the recipient in the Keeper of Traditions in Aboriginal Music Award.  This award is given to an individual who is or has been dedicated to the teaching of Aboriginal culture through music.

Darryl S. Hester from Waskaganish for his contribution to the Music Industry in Eeyou Istchee. He is a Producer, Songwriter, Singer, and a Musician.  His work includes producing and releasing 4 compilation albums in 1994, 2001, 2005 and 2009.   His most recent work is the productions and recordings two recent albums in Eeyou Istchee; titled Broken & Rain.  In 2009 Canadian Aboriginal Music Award recognize his work and honoured him by presenting him with the Music Industry Award.  That same year, the Cree Nation Youth Council recognized him for his accomplishment in Music in Eeyou Istchee.

CerAmony (Matthew Iserhoff and Pakesso Mukash) for his contribution to the Music Industry in Eeyou Istchee.   This is what the Canadian Juno Music Awards said about them on their website.  The band CerAmony (in which the A is represented by a sacred ceremonial tent) came to Pakesso upon waking up from a dream one day.  Both members agreed that it was a perfect name in the universal aspect that every race, religion and creed has ceremonies.  The logo was designed by Pakesso's sister (and Matthew's wife), Natazia Mukash.  Unshakeable and unwavering, CerAmony's ambitions have since been aimed at a global appeal.  This pride and message can also be shared with CerAmony's brothers and sisters from other indigenous nations worldwide.   CerAmony's music is designed for the masses.  From arena anthems like "Looks Like Change (To Me)" and "Our Guns," to the light-hearted songs like "Live Again" and "Round N' Round," the band's sound isn't rooted in one genre, but is spread across many. It is this variety that brings together not only fans of all genres, but from all walks of life. And when a band can excite a crowd of many coloured spirits and have them sing with one voice, then they have truly achieved what all ceremonies are designed to do; Unify.  They are the latest Cree winners at the 2010 Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards - Songwriter(s) Category.  And the first Cree to bring home a Juno Award for the Aboriginal Album of the year for 2011.

A special lifetime achievement award was given to the group Chisasibi Rocker!  This rock group first formed in 1972 in Fort George Island.  They have been entertaining the Cree nation for 39 years with rock songs.  The lead singer, Roger House, and the band members were surprised, but honoured to receive an award from Eeyou Istchee.

The Cree Native Arts & Crafts Association is very proud of all Cree winners of the CNACA - Eeyou Istchee Achievement Awards. Congratulations!  See you next year!