Eight Aboriginal Acts Nominated for Western Canadian Music Awards 2016
John Arcand, David Morin, William Prince, Don Amero, Nadia Gaudet & Jason Burnstick, Digawolf, Yvonne St. Germaine, and Young Medicine earned nominations for the 2016 Western Canadian Music Awards (WCMA), which will be handed out on October 13 during BreakOut West in Regina, Saskatchewan.
Arcand, known as the "Master of the Métis Fiddle," is gearing up for the 19th annual John Arcand Fiddle Fest, one of Turtle Island's longest-running Métis music and culture festivals. He will receive the 2016 Heritage Award for his storied career and numerous contributions to Western Canada's music industry.
Manitoba-based duo Gaudet and Burnstick lead the pack of Aboriginal nominees with opportunities to win in the Aboriginal Artist of the Year, Children's Artist of the Year, and Francophone Artist of the Year categories.
Morin, a crooner from British Columbia, and Peguis First Nation's Prince both received two nominations for their albums Every Colour and Earthly Days, respectively.
St. Germaine is in the running for Spiritual Artist of the Year, and Young Medicine is nominated in the World Artist of the Year category.
Amero, who previously received multiple nominations at the 2016 JUNO Awards, and Digawolf round out the Aboriginal Artist of the Year nominees.
The WCMA show will kick off the BreakOut West festivities, set for October 13-16. Visit breakoutwest.ca for a complete list of WCMA nominees and full details about the BreakOut West music festival and conference.
