'Heart of the Bitterroot' nominated for a Native American Music award; voting ends October 4

The Heart of the Bitterroot CD has been nominated in the Best Compilation category at the Native American Music awards. (file photo)

PABLO — The “Heart of the Bitterroot” CD has been nominated for a Native American Music award, otherwise known as a Nammy, in the Best Compilation category. The public has the opportunity, until Saturday, October 4, to vote for the CD, along with other nominated groups, artists and more.

The “Heart of the Bitterroot” is a CD focusing on the history of Salish women and their story is told through voice, song and music. The CD is the first project of non-profit organization Npustin - a Salish word that means ‘what’s in the heart of the world.’

Director Julie Cajune amassed local and national talent to bring “Heart of the Bitterroot” to fruition and the work has paid off. Musical artists included David Lanz and Gary Stroutsous. “I think it’s amazing that Julie (Cajune) managed to get this caliber of talent to on the album,” said Jennifer Greene, who contributed writing to the project and is a Npustin Board member.

A companion book is available to educators. It features stories, history and photos for use in classrooms. This companion book and CD have been used in classes at the Universty of Montana, Washington State University and Montana State University.

The Native American Music Awards has nominated the CD for best compilation album along side Northern Cree & Friends, the Todi Neesh Zhee Singers, Terry Lee Whetstone and more.

Npustin sent NAM the CD when it was released. From there, NAM members voted it to the top five. Since August 24, voting has been open to the public to nominate the album as the best compilation CD.

The Native American Music Awards 10 award show will be in Niagra Falls, NY this year and will be broadcast live via the Internet.

Voting is open at http://www.nativeamericanmusicawards.com. You must register with the website to vote.

To purchase a copy of, or to find out more information on, ‘Heart of the Bitterroot,’ visit http://npustin.org/HeartoftheBitterroot.html