Issue 45

Aboriginal Peoples Choice Music Awards

Last year when the APCMAs were awarded in Winnipeg the fans chose their favourite nominees and winners such as Jacob Pratt for Best Flute CD, Blackstone for Best Pow Wow Traditional CD and Bruthers of Different Muthers for Best Rock CD.

Two rounds of free worldwide voting launched many novice artists into the realm of the music industry by growing their fan base and realizing the appreciation for their talent is out there. Seasoned artists also return each year to the APCMAs because it is a direct link to the masses of music lovers, those that have followed them throughout their career and those who may for the first time be getting a taste of their veteran style. From whatever angle you approach the APCMAs, its goal each year is to build the bridge between artists and the public and provide a world class stage on which to showcase aboriginal music.

In 2012, the APCMAs celebrate its seventh year, and have listened to the artists suggestions about changes to the voting procedure. What they’ve asked for is a stronger industry presence on the voting field, while keeping the public vote intact.

Taking these requests into consideration the APCMAs make the following announcement:

The Aboriginal Peoples Choice Music Awards (APCMAs) acknowledges and celebrates the accomplishments of Aboriginal recording artists and music industry players from across Canada, the United States and Internationally. The awards program marks its seventh year in November 2012 with the presentation of awards in 28 genre and specialty categories. The online voting process is comprised of two rounds of voting. The first round takes place from July 16 to August 6, 2012 for Industry voters only. These votes will determine the adjudicated categories (a minimum of 3 artist submissions are required to adjudicate) and the nominees in each category.

The list of nominees in all adjudicated categories will be announced on August 13, 2012, and free online voting will begin on that day, open to the public around the globe, until September 3, 2012, to determine the winners.

The awards will be presented and split between two separate events. The first event, entitled the ‘Ohshkii Awards Night’ is Thursday, November 1, 2012, and is by invitation only. The second event is televised live on the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network from the MTS Centre on November 2, 2012. This program is preceded by the Red Carpet event.

Another change this year is the addition of the Best World Music CD. To be inclusive to indigenous people from nations outside of North America this category is for Artists/ Duos or Groups who have a full-length album released within the eligibility period. This category is open to all recognized indigenous artists worldwide, with the following criteria: 1) the music must be a cultural representation of the style of music from the region they originate from. The artist(s) can either be still living in their homeland or have immigrated to Canada/U.S. and/or may be second generation; or 2) the music may fit into a contemporary genre (i.e. country, rock, blues) and the artist was born and resides in their indigenous homeland outside of North America. *Proof of Ancestry may be requested by the APCMAs.

If you’re in Winnipeg for the APCMAs you should take in the rest of what the Manito Ahbee Festival (MAF) has to offer which includes one of the largest Pow Wow’s in North America. Last year there were 1200 participants in the first Grand Entry and it boasts some of the best prize money out there.

Eric Schweig

Recently SAY Magazine had the opportunity to talk with Eric Schweig when he was one of the key-note presenters at the 2012 Vision Quest Conference, Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Born in Inuvik, Northwest Territories, from Inuvialuit lineage on his mother’s side andChippewa/Dene with German descent on his father’s side, Eric was the oldest of seven children.

As part of an assimilation program, all seven siblings were adopted out. Schweig was adopted at the age of six months by an English speaking German-French family. He spent his childhood in Inuvik until he was six, when his family moved to Bermuda.

They later moved back to Ontario, Canada where he spent the majority of his childhood. Schweig’s adoptive parents were severely abusive.

Trapped in rooms naked and beaten he eventually ran away when he was 16. What transpired next was a roller coaster of alcohol, drugs, violence, failed relationships, despair and confusion.

Eric ran away to Toronto, Ontario. His first experience as an actor was in 1985, and in 1987, at twenty years old, he was approached by a producer who suggested he audition for a role in the movie called The Shaman’s Source (1990). With little formal education or experience he won the role. The film launched his career in the film industry.

Eric has been an artist since he was a kid. Basically self taught, he looked at Russian books of Inuit masks for inspiration. Under the coaching of artist Vern Etzerza, he studied traditional Pacific Coast carving before directing his talent specifically towards traditional Inuit Spirit Masks, in collaboration with master carver Art Thompson.

Sober for fourteen years, Eric struggled for many years against alcohol abuse and drug abuse. His experience with violence, abuse and lack of roots led him to volunteer doing outreach with street people and the homeless. Clearly this is an area of great passion for Eric.

His definition of success is dealing with immediate issues, i.e. if someone is hungry – feed them; if someone is homeless – find them housing.

Eric points out that we are all humans and our natural instincts are to help others. His message is: “We are all connected so do whatever you can do.”

Currently residing in Winnipeg, Manitoba he works full time with Resource Assistance for Youth, providing assistance to inner-city youth and homeless people.

SAY Magazine Staff

This little , unique , niche magazine is the result of a dedicate d group of individuals who work outof sight of the readers of the magazine an d website toward the SAY Mission Statement : HOPE.

In our tenth year, it is very appropriate that these people receive recognition for their efforts. To the many others who walked with us over the years – we want you to know that we learned something from each and every one of you!

Frances Vanessa Mentuck | Office Manager

I am a mother of three wonderfully brilliant young men - Mike, William and Brent. I am a traditional dancer and so is my oldest son, we are all very proud of our culture/heritage.

I am from Long Plain, Manitoba but spent most of my years growing up in Waywayseecappo, Manitoba as well as Brandon and Winnipeg. I had three siblings that I grew up with; one was a cousin (who was often mistaken for being my direct sibling) and our paternal grandparents raised us, all three of whom have passed on. I am just happy to be around experiencing all that this life has shown me until today.

Why SAY is successful:

i believe this company’s success has to do with staff working here over the years each bringing their own gifts to the table and sharing with the nations through each publication and events throughout the past TEN YEARS! (and going for another ten!); the continuous support of friends and family near and far also helps make Say Magazine such a success it is today. I know I’m enjoying my time here. :)

My work at SAY:

Working at this magazine has been a big help to myself personally (and for my three boys as well) and professionally. I have had opportunities (more to come!) to grow emotionally and intellectually these past few years. At times I wasn’t sure I would still be here, but you always got to take the bad with the good, the latter usually outweighs the other! Having met new people and reconnected with others, I am having a great time working here and am quite happy with the environment we have at the office and with all staff.

Gary Hamilton | Sales Manager

Born and raised in Winnipeg, a graduate of the University of Winnipeg and coming off a successful career in newspaper advertising sales, Gary has taken on the role of Sales Manager for SA Y Magazine. A relentless overachiever, he understands what it takes to succeed in the advertising sales game - patience, hard work and belief in oneself.

Spare time activities are sports oriented, as well as occasional work as a conflict resolution specialist and also imbibing copious amounts of coffee while reading big books that he never got around to in school.

Dwight Powless | Business and Product Development

Dwight was born on the Six Nations Reserve and attended the Mohawk Institute Residential school for several years. After finishing high school in Brantford, Ontario, Canada, he joined the Royal Canadian Air Force. When his term in the military was finished, he returned to school to complete a post-secondary education diploma.

Dwight retired from Canada Post Crown Corporation after 34 years employment, finishing as the first Aboriginal Relations Manager. The highlight in that position was the Gold Hallmark level for Progressive Aboriginal Relations for Canada Post.

In addition to assisting SA Y Magazine, Dwight works at Algonquin College in Ottawa, Ontario with their Access Program.

Jutta Emms | Accounting, Data entry, Payroll

Jutta Emms, as the owner and manager of J C Lange Office Management, brings 30 years of experience to SA Y Magazine. Craig Lange, her son, and Karen Haley, her assistant, are an integral part of her team providing accounting, data entry, payroll, general office procedures and support to a variety of business clients in the Winnipeg area.

Jutta has been working with SA Y Magazine since its first issue in 2002 and has seen the challenges of a start-up business being met with innovative ideas and the continued growth through hard work and determination. Originally hired as the bookkeeper, Jutta’s additional responsibilities now include all financial aspects from managing subscriptions to financial statements. She is proud to be associated with Leslie and the SA Y Magazine team.

Melissa Mann | Social Media Networking: Owner, Sweet Stuff Photography

I am a 27-year-old photographer and stay-at-home mother from Peguis First Nation, Manitoba. I run my own photography business, Sweet Stuff Photography, which caters to babies, children and expectant families and also work for SA Y Magazine updating our social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter.

I highly enjoy both of my careers as I get to work with my aboriginal community as well as the freedom to spend time with my three children. In my spare time, I am an advocate for the Manitoba Down Syndrome Society and volunteer for the Rainbow Society (The Dream Factory).

Working for SAY Magazine has been great! It’s amazing to be able to showcase the hard work and success of people and organizations in our Native communities. Being in a younger generation myself, I hope SA Y Magazine will encourage our youth to put forth the effort into their education and careers to strive for excellence.

Keith Gauthier | Graphic Designer: Owner, KWG Graphic Design

Keith is Métis, born in Ontario, Canada. He has spent his entire working career involved in some way or other in the graphics and design field. He is an honours graduate from the graphic arts program in Selkirk, Manitoba, and has been employed in some facet of the graphic arts industry ever since. His employment and education path include University of Manitoba fine arts and a number of years working in the advertising field and as an industrial photographer.

I first met Leslie Lounsbury and became aware of Say Magazine while working as the pre-press manager at The Prolific Group. I recall being intrigued by the publication … not only its look and feel, but with the message the magazine had for Native people, and more importantly, Native youth. In my mind, it was doing a great job of getting the message to all of the young kids out there that there is indeed hope. The stories and articles are about real people, real successes – providing a source of inspiration at a time when today’s youth needed it most.

A few years later, after establishing my own company, I was thrilled when Leslie approached me to be the new designer for Say magazine. Leslie was in the process of putting together a team that shared her vision for the magazine, and its potential. The rest as we say is history. In my first year with the magazine we received the NAJA Media Award for General Excellence, (Monthly, Bi-monthly) and Best Layout. This was the second consecutive award for the magazine and we haven’t looked back since. Reflecting on where the magazine began ten years ago, and how it has evolved to what it is today, I would say that our team is accomplishing what we set out to do. The magazine has gone on to become one of the most widely distributed and successful Native publications in the world. When asked recently why I choose to be the designer for Say magazine, my response was easy, I do it because I Believe in it. So, here’s to our team, and the next ten years.

Keith is married to Huguette Lacroix, a successful artist in her own right, with her glass art featured at the Wah Sa Gallery in The Forks, Winnipeg. They are both avid animal lovers and continue to adopt and rescue dogs as often as they can manage. They are currently preparing to build and hopefully retire one day on their farm property north of Winnipeg.

Kirk Mann | Webmaster: Owner, Status Solutions

Kirk Mann is a young aboriginal entrepreneur who values tradition, family, and hard work. His interest in business started at the age of 14, going on to open his own small custom t-shirt business at the age of 16.

Self-taught in computers in his spare time, Kirk landed various jobs as an IT. After high school, Kirk received his diploma in Business Administration from Red River College. An internship at Aboriginal Peoples Television Network, as a web designer, allowed Kirk to become creative in his work.

Fortunate to work for places such as the SA Y Magazine, Aboriginal Leadership Institute, AC I Manitoba, Phil Fontaine Campaign, Film Training Manitoba, Red River College, and various small aboriginal organizations, he gained the experience he required.

In 2005, Kirk opened his current business, Status Solutions, providing web design, graphics, and photography to clients across Canada. “It’s a great pleasure to be part of a company that is ever expanding and changing with technology, SA Y Magazine is constantly growing and opening new doors for itself and our people.”