17 awards, over a dozen performances, and one groundbreaking broadcast later and the Aboriginal People’s Choice Awards—the first awards ceremony of its kind—wrapped at the MTS Centre Friday night.

As the first event in the three-day Manito Ahbee Festival, the Awards kicked off a celebration of Aboriginal achievements and culture in downtown Winnipeg. With Lorne Cardinal (Davis from Corner Gas) and Catherine St. Germain hosting the ceremony, the live broadcast profiled dozens of aboriginal performers, from Pow Wow dancers to country singers, rappers to Inuit throat singers.

Although half of the awards were distributed the previous evening, those in attendance and watching live across the country witnessed the best Aboriginal musicians from across the country be recognized for their achievements. Read below for a complete listing of award winners:

• Best New Artist:
  Shane Yellowbird - Life is Calling My Name
• Single of the Year:
  Shane Yellowbiard - Beautiful Concept
• Best Songwriter:
  Hank Horton - I’ve Told You Leona
• Best Group or Duo:
  Eagle & Hawk - Life Is …
• Best Producer/Engineer:
  Dezmond Mentuck & D.J. St. Germain - C-Weed
• Best Album Cover Design:
  Tracy Bone - No Lies
• Best Pow Wow CD – Traditional:
  Red Bull - Enter the Circle
• Best Pow Wow CD – Contemporary:
  Grey Buffalo - Just Trying to Get There
• Best Rock CD:
  Eagle & Hawk - Life Is …
• Best Blues CD:
  Billy Joe Green - Muskrat Blues and Rock & Roll
• Best Rap or Hip Hop CD:
  Reddnation - Now Or Never
• Best Country CD:
  Hank Horton - Honky Tonk Heartache Blues
• Best Folk/Acoustic CD:
  Keith Secola - Native Americana
• Best Fiddle CD:
  J.J. Lavallee & The Freebird Band - Jimmy’s Breakdown
• Best Instrumental CD:
  J.J. Lavallee & the Freebird Band - Jimmy’s Breakdown
• Best Aboriginal Music by Non-Aboriginal Artist:
  Sierra Noble - Orange Blossom Special
• Best Music Video:
  Shane Yellowbird - Beautiful Concept

---