Intertribal Life Newspaper -

TAHLEQUAH-The Cherokee National Youth Choir's album "Celebration" was named Best Pop Recording during the 17th annual Native American Music Awards held Saturday, Oct. 14.

This year's award marks the fifth honor-referred to as a NAMMY- the Cherokee National Youth Choir has garnered since the choir's inception in 2000. The youth choir was also nominated for Group of the Year and Record of the Year for its latest album.

"We were so excited to win Best Pop Recording at the Native American Music Awards," Cherokee National Youth Choir Director Mary Kay Henderson said. "Our CD, 'Celebration,' is a collection of Motown music and has been a fun way to encourage our young people to learn our language. Language teacher and choir coordinator Kathy Sierra and I would like to thank everyone who took the time to vote for the Cherokee National Youth Choir."

The "Celebration" record is a combination of the 2017 Cherokee National Youth Choir and its soloists and members of the 2006 youth choir. Songs on the "Celebration" album include "Ain't No Mountain High Enough," "Celebration," "Lean On Me," "My Girl," "Respect," "My Guy," "Stand By Me" and "We Are Family." Sierra translated the lyrics from English to Cherokee for the recording.

"The Cherokee Nation Youth Choir has proven time and time again to be excellent cultural ambassadors for our tribal government and our people," Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Bill John Baker said. "We are so proud of them for bringing home another NAMMY honor. The accomplishments of these young people should be celebrated, as they are learning and utilizing the Cherokee language. Additionally, they have volunteered their time and talents to be part of the youth choir, which is an opportunity to grow their leadership skills. Congratulations to everyone involved with this wonderful achievement."

The Cherokee National Youth Choir has performed dozens of songs in the Cherokee language in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and at venues across the country, including the Oklahoma State Capitol. The choir also previously performed with such legendary artists as Foreigner, Dolly Parton, Vince Gill, Roy Clark, Kenny Rogers and the Oak Ridge Boys.

The choir is made up of 30-40 young Cherokees from northeastern Oklahoma communities. Members are middle and high school youth in grades 6-12. The students compete in rigorous auditions every year for inclusion in the group.

The Cherokee National Youth Choir's newest album, "Just Jesus," as well as past albums will be available for purchase later this year at Cherokee Nation Gift Shop locations and online.