Juno Nominees Win at the Aboriginal Music Awards

By Elizabeth Maier

Reprinted with permission from
Eagle Feather News - February 2000 - pg.14

The Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards were held in Toronto, at the Sky Dome from December 2-5. There were over one hundred and sixty entries, it was not an easy task for judges to select winners in the 15 musical categories. Representing the west, Little Island Cree from Island Lake First Nation, Saskatchewan, won the Best Traditional Album-Contemporary For Old Times' Sake. Best pow Wow Album-Contemporary went to the Northern Cree Singers from Hobbema, Alberta for In Our Drum We Trust. The award for best song and for best female artist went to Fara from Vancouver for Walk Away. Best Country or Folk Album was awarded for Indian City by Eagle & Hawk from Winnipeg. The Best Producer award was given to Tom Jackson and Jon Park Wheeler from Calgary, for the Album That Side Of the Window. The Best Group or Duo award went to Saskatoon's own Chester Knight and The Wind, from Muskoday First Nation, Saskatchewan.

Coming on the heels of a big win at the Prairie Music Awards, Chester Knight was thrilled with the recognition for the music that has been such a big part of his life through the past several years. The group performed History and Cold Cold World from their Falling Down CD.

The songs received an enthusiastic and heartfelt response from the audience. Chester Knight described the excitement that he, brother Vernon Knight and nephew Darel Ross felt as they performed with the full scale orchestra. The Aboriginal Jusic awards was a gala event, complete with fashion finery, anticipation and the entertainment media who were constantly adding their praise for and interest in the impressive musical individuals and groups taking the stage over the four day extravaganza.

Chester also described the sense of community that framed the event in Toronto. Tents were set up to showcase Aboriginal musical talent from all over the country. There were fashion shows, trade shows and an international Pow Wow. Knight gives credit to organizers and volunteers who turned the four day professinal event into an outstanding, and enjoyable experience for performers and observers.

Last month we told you aboout the Chester Knight and the Wind 'Falling Down' CD, as the group is becoming more and more recognized, through award shows, local talent showcases and through promotion on the Much Music channel. "Recognition is always exciting," Knight said "but it is recognition by your own people that makes it all worthwhile." He was grateful for the chance to visit with old friends and new as the everyone got together at a local club to jam and talk about their music after the Aboriginal Music Awards ended.

There are lots of plans ahead for Chester Knight and the Wind as they prepare to go on a tour of Germany in the spring with the Winnipeg based band, Eagle and Hawk. Practice, wrting and compiling material for the next CD are on the agenda for the local group this winter. The guys have just been nominated for another Juno Award. We are going to be hearing more about Chestr Knight and the Wind and Eagle Feather News will keep you up to date with what's happening on the music scene for this special group of guys.