The night included a moment of silence for Seth and Rene Constant, members of the band who were recently killed in a car accident. Peekeekoot noted BlackRain thinks of Constant Reminder as brothers and has known them since they were kids.
“I was extremely saddened when I heard of Seth and Rene’s passing. They will forever be missed, and on behalf of my family and BlackRain, we give our love, support and condolences to the family.”
“We shared the stage with them many times. They had their own unique, vintage, old school, but modern sound and they have so much talent for such young guys.”
Another winnner was Saskatoon’s JJ Lavallee who was named Male Artist of the Year.
“I’m super honoured to receive this. I’m sure the judges had a difficult time going through the process with so many talented artists in the mix. I’m very grateful” he said.
Commenting on the deaths of Seth and Rene Constant, Lavallee said he did not get the chance to meet them personally, but added he had heard a lot about the super-talented band that was making a name for themselves.
“It’s always a difficult time when we lose members of our musical family. Condolences to the entire family and to all their supporters for this tragic loss.”
The big winner of the night was Terri Ann Strongarm, who won Emerging Artist of the Year, Female Artist of the Year, and Fan’s Choice.
Carl Crane received the Willard Ahenakew Award and was named Indigenous Language Recording of the Year for “Astum Pa Petikwa.”
Other award winners:
Country/Roots Person or Group of the Year – Darryl Anderson
Rap/Hip Hop/Electronic Person or Group of the Year – RaytheNihilist
Gospel Recording of the Year – Donald McCallum, “Lord I’m Ready to Go Home”
Pow Wow Drum Group of the Year – Grey Buffalo
Song of the Year – Big Tones, “Shine”
Instrumentalist of the Year – Sean Bougie
Youth Award – Julianna Parenteau
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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com
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