Pimicikamak Cree Nation’s Ernest Monias – the “Elvis of the North” – will be honoured with the 2019 Lifetime Achievement Award at the Indigenous Music Awards at Club Regent Casino in Winnipeg May 17.
The 70-year-old country/rock performer, who sings in English with distinctive Cree phrasing and nuances, has released 18 albums in genres including rock, country, gospel and even Christmas music and reached hundreds of thousands of fans via Indigenous radio, vinyl, eight-tracks, cassettes and CDs. Monias’s songs include “Stay Awhile,” “Sittin’ On a Rock,” “Sometimes I Feel Like Crying,” “Forever’s a Long, Long Time” and his most-requested song “If I Wanted You Girl.”
“Ernest will play his most requested song of all time at the Indigenous Music Awards on Friday night, where he will be honoured by fellow musicians, industry people, family, friends and guests,” said Jacquie Black, manager of the Indigenous Music Awards, in a press release.
“We are very happy to bring Ernest Monias into a very exclusive circle that is reserved for those who have contributed in unparalleled ways to the Indigenous music scene in North America,” said Lisa Meeches, executive director of the Manito Ahbee Festival. “We even have a surprise message from a very special person but you’ll have to wait for the show to find out who it is.”
