The 16th Annual Native American Music Awards were announced on Saturday September 17th, 2016. A special appearance was made by the family of nominee Joseph Flying Bye, whose recording, Putting The Moccasins Back On, was posthumously nominated in two categories. His son, Allen Flying Bye and ten other family members, drove all the way from Standing Rock, North Dakota to the show. In a display of unity and solidarity, they received an overwhelming response from the attendees supporting their opposition of the Dakota Access pipeline. Recently, nominees of the Native American Music Awards contributed their songs to a free CD titled, Water Is Life to support the Standing Rock Sioux Community.
Traditional performances were held by the Awards’ youngest nominee and rising star, 12 year-old hand drummer, Nizhoo Sullivan, as well as Theresa Bear Fox and the Akwesasne Women Singers, and Joseph Fire Crow who also picked up the rhythm with a contemporary song performed with the Ed Koban house band.
Shelley Morningsong took the coveted Artist of the Year award, and ruled the stage with a notable performance of singing and playing flute as her husband and musical partner, Fabian Fontenelle performed in his stunning ceremonial outfit.
Native American Music Awards 2016 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
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
Michael Longrider
In Through the Mist
Entertainers of the Year
Williams & Ree
Lifetime Achievement
Joseph FireCrow
Living Legend
Saginaw Grant
Hall Of Fame
Taboo
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.