FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Stars Shine in Lac du Flambeau 

Student Musicians from the Lac du Flambeau School were named finalists for the 2019 Native American Music Awards. The Lac du Flambeau School Niijii Singers and Ogichidaa Singers are the youngest finalists in NAMA history. In honor of this accomplishment by these young musicians, a special award was created. It is called the Rising Star Nammy. Each musician received a NAMA medallion and a trophy was presented to the Lac du Flambeau Public School. 

The CD “Hear Our Songs” released last spring by The Nijii Singers and the Ogichidaa Singers was announced as a finalist in the New or Debut Duo/Group of the Year Category for the 19th Annual Native American Music Awards. 

The awards were held Saturday, November 2nd in Niagara Falls. Actor Wes Studi (Cherokee) and Pro-Wrestler Mickie James (Powhatan) hosted the event. Music tracks from all nominees are also featured on the Awards’ website at www.NAMALIVE.com. 

The Niijii singers have been working with NAMA award-winning singer-songwriter Bobby Bullet and his wife Pamela for several years and this past year concentrated on songwriting. Their Music on the Go program at the Lac du Flambeau School has introduced scores of students to playing guitar, singing, writing lyrics, and composition. Topics for their songs are varied, but they all encompass the Seven Grandfather Teachings of: Humility, Bravery, Honor, Wisdom, Truth, Respect, and Love. The songs focus on how to live in a good way. 

The Ogichidaa Singers have been working with Bernie Lemieux to learn the protocol and skill of singing on a traditional Ojibwe drum. The young musicians recorded their songs in professional recording sessions earlier this year and shared them with the community at a CD release party at the Lake of the Torches Resort and Convention Center. LOTC also provided space for the recording sessions. LOTC, the Wisconsin Indian Education Association, the Lac du Flambeau Public School, especially the Cultural Connections Department, and the entire Lac du Flambeau Community has helped to make this incredible dream a 

reality. Major funding for the project came from the American Indian Language Revitalization Grant from the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. 

Donations are still being sought to defray expenses from the trip to Niagara Falls. A thank you feast and giveaway will be scheduled for late November. A benefit fundraiser for the trip will be scheduled for January at the Lake of the Torches Resort and Casino in Lac du Flambeau. 

For more information contact Carol Ann Amour 715-439-3078 or amourcarol@yahoo.com.