Singer Ali Fontaine performs during a news conference to launch the Manito Ahbee Festival in downtown Winnipeg on Wednesday, November 2, 2011. (SCOTT BENESIINAABANDAN / HANDOUT)
The 6th annual Manito Ahbee Festival kicked off Wednesday, setting the stage for four days of celebrating Aboriginal music, art and culture.
During a news conference, the award for Most Outstanding Manitoban was given out to Ali Fontaine, a young recording artist from Sagkeeng First Nation.
The self-taught singer/songwriter is an emerging artist who has been writing songs and performing since she was eight.
Tonight, 12 Aboriginal Peoples Choice Music Awards will be handed out during the RBC Ohshkii Awards Night.
Of course, the big night at Manito Ahbee is the Aboriginal Peoples Choice Music Awards, which will be held Friday at MTS Centre. The awards will be broadcast live on APTN beginning at 7 p.m.
Performers include Don Amero, C-Weed, Derek Miller, Ghost Keeper, and others. A special presentation will be made to Errol Ranville, who will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award.
The festival will wrap up Sunday with the International Competition Pow Wow, and Indigenous Marketplace and Trade Show — both held at MTS Centre.
