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A musician with roots in Mattagami First Nation has won Best Country/Americana Album Of The Year award at the 19th-annual Native American Music Awards (NAMA).
Matt James received the award on Saturday before a sold-out crowd at the Seneca Niagara Resort and Casino in Niagara Falls, N.Y.
The gala event honours Native America’s newest and brightest entertainers in the field of music.
“Winning the award for best Country/Americana Album of the year makes me feel so proud and it is a reward as I worked extremely hard putting this project together,” said James. “I had to deal with the passing of my father James Naveau which took me so low but with the spirit of my dad in my heart I found the strength and motivation to go and follow my dream.”
James, who is a member of Mattagami First Nation, has been experiencing accolades in the music industry for the past few years. He is a multi-award winner, multi-instrumentalist, singer and songwriter, now living in Sudbury. He was nominated for three categories for NAMA including Upcoming Star, Best Country/Americana Album and Best Video Concept.