http://www.muskogeephoenix.com/local/local_story_289003515.html

Published October 16, 2007 12:35 am -

Cherokee youth choir wins NAMMY

TAHLEQUAH — The Cherokee National Youth Choir has been awarded the 2007
Best Gospel/Inspirational Recording by the Native American Music Awards for
its release “Comfort and Joy.”

“The members of the youth choir are wonderful ambassadors for the Cherokee
Nation,” said Chad Smith, principal chief of the Cherokee Nation. “We are
all proud of their accomplishments and look forward to their continued
success in years to come. I congratulate everyone involved with the choir
on this achievement.”

The Native American Music Awards honors and recognizes the musical
achievements of Native American artists across the United States in more
than 30 award categories. Established in 1998, it is one of the only
national award shows in the world honoring Native American and Aboriginal
music initiatives. The NAMMY award was born out of a need to provide
greater opportunity and recognition for traditional and contemporary Native
American musicians. It has become the one of the country’s leading sources
for maintaining and promoting the songs of American Indians and their
cultures.

“This is the first NAMMY the choir has received since I’ve become involved
with the group,” said Mary Kay Henderson, choir director. “We are very
honored by this award.”

The Cherokee National Youth Choir performs traditional Cherokee songs in
the Cherokee language. The choir came into existence from the vision of
Smith, who saw it as a way to keep children involved in the Cherokee
language and culture. This latest recognition brings the group’s total
NAMMY count to three such awards since its inception in 2000.

“I’m so proud of each of these young men and women,” said Kathy Sierra,
youth choir coordinator. “It is the kids and their dedication to Cherokee
culture that make the youth choir such a success. The popularity of the
youth choir has brought forth a lot of wonderful opportunities.”

For more information about the Cherokee National Youth Choir, call
453-5618.