First Nations Voice

AUGUST 2015 • PAGE 9 This year marks a brand new name and identity for what has already become one of the most anticipated annual celebrations of Indigenous music. O n Friday, September 11, artists will be recognized at the 10th annual Indigenous Music Awards – previously known as the Aboriginal Peoples Choice Music Awards. Two events in Winnipeg will highlight the diversity and abundance of today's Indigenous talent. In the afternoon, the IMA Ohshkii Awards Showcase will happen at the Metropolitan Entertainment Centre. Later that evening, the televised Indigenous Music Awards takes place at MTS Centre, with full broadcast on the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN). Tickets for both events are now available at Ticketmaster. Jacquie Black, manager of the Indigenous Music Awards, explains why the name was changed: "We wanted to be more inclusive of all Indigenous people around the world. The word Aboriginal has mainly been associated with Canada, so to change to Indigenous is more indicative of the artists who can and have submitted over the years." Awards will be handed out in 24 categories like Best Album Cover Design, Best Music Video, Best Indigenous Songwriter, Best New Artist, Best Country CD, Best Pop CD, Best Rock CD, and others. The list of nominees includes many first-timers, in addition to those who have been nominated in previous years. Winners are selected by members of the public through online voting at www.indigenousmusicawards.ca. Music fans from around the world can register and vote for free. The Indigenous Music Awards are part of the Manito Ahbee Festival that runs from September 9 to 13 in Winnipeg. Manito Ahbee is a gathering that celebrates Indigenous culture and heritage in order to unify, educate and inspire. The name Manito Ahbee was gifted to the festival through ceremony, and is connected to a sacred site. In Ojibway, Manito Ahbee means "where the creator sits." The Manito Ahbee site is located in the Whiteshell area of Manitoba, and is recognized and honoured by Aboriginal peoples across North America as a sacred place. The name Manitoba is itself derived from the name of this site. For more information about Manito Ahbee, visit www.manitoahbee.ca. RoseAnna Schick is a freelance writer and entertainment publicist. If you'd like to see your news in next month's Entertainment Beat, please email her at rascreative@yahoo.ca enTerTainmenT beaT RoseAnna Schick. RAS Creative Beyourself andsoarwithus Your individuality is an asset Youhavethepotentialtosucceedwhereveryou go.AtFCC,we'vebuiltaculturewherediverse peoplesucceedtogether.Bedistinct.Beoriginal. Beyourself,withus. Findyourplaceatfcc.ca/Diversity. Left: Past Indigenous Music Award winner Tracy Bone posing with her trophy

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