Thunder Mountain Singers are at the peak of popularity.
The Thunder Bay-based drum group, which has been playing together for more than 20 years, was recently nominated for a pair of Aboriginal Peoples Choice Music Awards. The group is nominated for best traditional powwow CD and best duo or group.
“It’s a wonderful feeling to be nominated,” said Longlac’s Clement Gustafson, who’s been with the group since its inception in 1988.
“I think it’s good for the community, good for Nishnawbe Aski Nation, Robinson Superior treaty area, Treaty 3,” said Ryan Gustafson.
“It means a lot to our families,” said Dave Simard, a Lac Seul band member and member of the group. “They travel with us a lot. It’s nice to be recognized but it’s also nice for them to see the recognition.”
The group, whose most recent album is One Voice, One Nation, performs an average of one show per week. This includes private performances, powwows, conferences and teaching sessions.
“We try to be very involved in the community,” Simard said.
Such community involvement landed the group a Thunder Bay Arts and Heritage Award last month.
Performing together since 1985, the group officially became Thunder Mountain Singers in 1988 after some less than stellar group names failed to stick.
They received their drum name from the late Margaret Pierre from Fort William First Nation.
Simard said it was Pierre’s vision that through the drum First Nation youth would return to their traditional culture. The Thunder Mountain Singers continue to share their traditional teachings and songs with the youth.
“I feel like we’re following through on what she wanted,” Simard said, adding it would be nice to be able to work with more youth and be known as an award-winning group.
But for that to happen, the group needs public support to vote online.
“Smoke signals aren’t going to work for this one,” Owen Gustafson said.
Fans can only vote for the group in the powwow category. Industry experts will decide best duo or group.
Several other northern Ontario artists are looking for your vote at www.aboriginalpeopleschoice.com as well.
These include Billy Joe Green in three categories: best album cover design, Aboriginal male entertainer of the year and best producer/engineer.
Shy-Anne Hovorka is nominated in six categories including Aboriginal female entertainer of the year, best pop CD, Aboriginal songwriter of the year, best producer/engineer, best music video and single of year.
Nadjiwan is nominated for single of the year and best folk/acoustic CD.
Lawrence Martin is nominated for single of the year and best country CD.
Wab Kinew is nominated for best producer/engineer and for single of the year.
Best Powwow CD
Bear Heart
Blackfoot Confederacy
Blackstone
Cedartree
Chippewa Travellers
Eastern Eagle
Horsehill
Kicking Woman Singers
Mandaree Singers
Poundmaker
Rocky Boy Singers
Seekaskootch
Spear Point
Tha Tribe
Thunder Mountain
When I was a boy growing up in my home community of Attawapiskat on the James Bay coast, I was deathly afraid of looking at the full moon.
When I was a boy growing up in my home community of Attawapiskat on the James Bay coast, I was deathly afraid of looking at the full moon.
I grew up...
I’m happy to see the ongoing support and assistance in our northern remote communities to help our people cope with so many lifelong and generational issues...