Aboriginal Recording of the Year

Derek Miller, ''THE DIRTY LOOKS'' WINNER

Derek Miller's 1999 ''Sketches EP'' won a Canadian Aboriginal Music Award. He then headed to Phoenix to join Keith Secola and The Wild Band of Indians to produce ''Fingermonkey'' in 2000. (Arbor*EMI)

Donny Parenteau, ''WHAT IT TAKES''

Born and raised in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, Parenteau has shared the stage with such icons as Merle Haggard, Buck Owens, George Jones, Charlie Pride, Loretta Lynn and Shania Twain. ''What It Takes'' is his third CD, co-produced by Steve Fox. (Landwash)

Fara Palmer, ''PHOENIX''

Fara Palmer's career began at 12, as she sang at an outdoor concert with Buffy Sainte-Marie. A singer-songwriter, vocal and studio coach, Palmer's sound is pop-based but interwoven with elements of rock, R&B, disco, world, dance and sometimes country. Her latest album, ''Phoenix,'' is a pop/folk-rock/roots fusion that's edgy and eclectic. (Independent*CD Baby)

Little Hawk, ''HOME AND NATIVE LAND''

From his time as the frontman for Eagle and Hawk to his latest foray into Indigenous Protest Folk Rock as Little Hawk, Troy Westwood's repertoire reflects his spirit. ''Home And Native Land'' was produced by Chris Burke-Gaffney and includes contributions from acclaimed Canadian Aboriginal artists like The Red Shadow Singers and Ray ''Co-Co'' Stevenson. (Ojiji Music)

Sandy Scofield, ''NIKAWIY ASKIY''

Hailing from four generations of fiddlers and singers, Sandy Scofield is a Metis/Cree/Saulteaux artist and composer based in Vancouver. Her fourth album, ''Nikawiy Askiy,'' means Mother Earth in Cree. Her previous three albums have won four Canadian Aboriginal Awards. (Arbor*EMI)