“Sing it like you own it!”-Northern Cree
The powerful and moving Northern Cree is a powwow and round dance act, based in Maskwacis, Alberta, Canada. Formed in 1982 by the Wood brothers – Steve, Randy, Charlie and Earl Wood of the Saddle Lake Cree Nation – most members originate from the Treaty 6 and are members of the Cree Nation. This year marks Northern Cree’s 40th birthday as a group.
Northern Cree has recorded 50 albums and been nominated for a GRAMMY nine times, yes, that’s right, nine time Grammy Award nominee! They made history in 2017 when they became the first powwow group to perform at the Grammy Awards ceremony in Los Angeles. They recorded this performance at the powwow arbor of the Tsuut’ina Nation.
All members originate from the Treaty 6 and are members of the Cree Nation, unless otherwise noted. (Saddle Lake Band, Samson Band, Louis Bull Band, Frog Lake Band, Onion Lake Band, Sweetgrass Band, Poundmaker Band, Sunchild Band, Menominee Nation)
Northern Cree are: Steve Wood – vocals, speaker, Penny McGilvery – vocals, Jonas Tootoosis – vocals, Marvin “Mickso” Deschamps – vocals, Jordon Fiddler – vocals, Emerson Samson – vocals, Jayzer Littlewolfe – vocals, Leroy Whitstone – vocals, flute, Leah Omeasoo – dancer, Rusty Gillette – dancer