2016 Native American Music Awards

The winners for the 16th annual Native American Music Awards were announced on Saturday, September 17, at the Seneca Allegany Casino in Salamanca, New York. The event was filled with renowned Native American performers and artists recognized for their continual efforts to preserve their cultures. Such notables include the multi-talented Living Legend Award recipient and elder Saginaw Grant, who was praised for his distinguished work as an actor, dancer, and motivational speaker; Lifetime Achievement Award winner Joseph FireCrow, identified as one of the top three Native American flute players in the world; and Entertainers of the Year comedy duo Williams and Ree, awarded for their smart comedic sets. Lastly, Taboo of The Black-Eyed Peas made history as this year's Hall of Fame inductee.

During the award ceremonies, notable musical performances were held by 12-year-old hand drummer Nizhoo Sullivan, the awards' youngest nominee and rising star; Theresa Bear Fox; and the Akwesasne Women Singers. Joseph FireCrow picked up the tempo with a contemporary song he performed with the Ed Koban house band. Winner of the Artist of the Year award Shelley Morningsong commanded the stage with her husband and musical partner Fabian Fontenelle for a wonderful performance, while Best Pop Recording winner Spencer Battiest and his brother Doc, gave an impressive and moving hip-hop ballad. Furthermore, in honor of John Trudell, Annie Humphrey performed her song "DNA" and Thana Redhawk sang "Ancestors Son" in an emotional tribute.

The night was more than just a celebration of music. It was also a support group for the Standing Rock, North Dakota, community and the preservation of Native American culture. A special appearance made by the family of nominee Joseph Flying Bye — whose recording Putting The Moccasins Back On was nominated in two categories — received an overwhelming response from the attendees in support of their opposition of the Dakota Access Pipeline. His son Allen Flying Bye and 10 other family members drove all the way from Standing Rock to express unity and solidarity. Recently, nominees of the Native American Music Awards also contributed songs to a free CD entitled Water Is Life to support the Standing Rock Sioux community. Take a look at the full list of winners below.

2016 Native American Music Awards Winners

Artist of the Year

Shelley Morningsong
Love Medicine

Best Blues Recording

All Our Relations
Blue Mountain Tribe

Best Country Recording

Reservation Girl
Desert West

Debut Artist

Logan Staats
Goodbye Goldia

Debut Duo of the Year

David Rose & Pete Barnhart
Falling To Grace

Best Female Vocalist

Fawn Wood
Kikawiynaw

Best Folk Spoken Word Recording

Native American Songs & Stories For Children
Sue Straw

Flutist of the Year

Rona Yellow Robe
Shoot For The Moon

Group of the Year

Rain Dance The Album
Lil Mike & FunnyBone

Best Inspirational Recording

Heart and Soul
Conrad Benally

Best Historical Recording

Mackenzie’s Raid
7 Trees

Best Instrumental Recording

The Navajo Piano
Connor Chee

Best Male Vocalist

Roman Orona
Circling Spirits Contemporary Apache Songs

Best Pop Recording

Stupid In Love
Spencer Battiest

Best Pow Wow Recording

Born To Sing
Young Bear

Best Rap/Hip-Hop Recording

The Addiction
Night Shield

Record of the Year

Bridge Creek Road
Jim Boyd

Best Rock Recording

Spirit Cry
Spirit Cry

Single of the Year

"Come And Get Your Love"
B. of Dakota South Records

Best Traditional Recording

Sisters in Spirit
Women of Heart

Best Music Video

"Rez Life"
Blue Flamez

Best Waila Recording

In Loving Memory of Our Beloved Father & Uncle
Family Pride

Native Heart Award

Michael Longrider
In Through the Mist

Entertainers of the Year

Williams & Ree

Lifetime Achievement Award

Joseph FireCrow

Living Legend Award

Saginaw Grant

2016 Hall of Fame 

Taboo

Check out the nominees of the Native American Music Awards free CD entitled Water Is Life supporting the Standing Rock Sioux community.