Four Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards for Manitoba Acts

Three Manitoba acts picked up hardware at this year's Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards (CAMA) in Hamilton, making 2010 another very strong year for Aboriginal recording artists from Manitoba. The awards were handed out at a gala event on November 25 at the Hamilton Place Theatre.

Eagle & Hawk added two more awards to its already-crowded trophy case, landing Best Album of the Year for its latest release, The Great Unknown, as well as Best Group or Duo. The rock outfit has racked up 15 nominations this year alone, including five CAMA nods, a win at the Indian Summer Music Awards, and nominations for Western Canadian Music Awards, Native American Music Awards, and Canadian Folk Music Awards.

Desiree Dorion's release, Soul Back Jack, earned her the Best Country Album honour at this year's celebration. Dorion was also up for Best Female Artist. The country chanteuse picked up a Aboriginal Peoples Choice Music Award nomination earlier this year in the Best Country CD category.

Brad Moggie rounded out the Manitoba winners, taking home the Best Fiddle Album award for his release, All Fired Up.

Eagle & Hawk and Dorion were in Hamilton for the festivities, performing for  in-house audiences on November 25. The performances were also broadcast online at www.canab.com. Fellow nominee Skelpa Squad took to the stage post gala for a Redskin Magazine event at the Corktown Pub on November 26.

Manitoba artists earned 11 nominations at the 12th annual event, which was held in conjunction with the Canadian Aboriginal Festival, November 26-28, 2010.