The submissions for the 2024 Henry Armstrong Award are open now until April 26, 2024. I want to thank Mike and the whole crew at MDM Recordings for providing this initiative to promote the great indigenous talent we have here in Saskatchewan.

The Henry Armstrong Award (HAA) is a newly launched bursary and mentorship program, created to develop, elevate, and support Indigenous artists within the Canadian music industry. Named for MDM Recordings Inc. president and founder Mike Denney’s grandfather Lloyd Henry and mother Gloria Denney (née Armstrong), both fellow Six Nations Lower Mohawk, The Henry Armstrong Award aims to provide unique opportunities for growth and development to the selected recipient.

The genesis for the HAA began in the spring of 2021, following the initial uncovering of the 215 Indigenous children in the Kamloops Residential School mass grave. Knowing he wanted to help, Denney called upon his fellow industry and quickly put together a committee united with the goal of promoting inclusivity, equity, and equality in the Canadian Indigenous Music space.

Newly launched in 2022, the HAA is open to all Indigenous music artists across Canada. Following the application window, a juried selection process will begin via a committee of Canadian music industry professionals, culminating with the chosen act receiving a $10,000 bursary, along with a tailored mentorship program of professional development services.

The mission of the Henry Armstrong Award is simple – to further develop, elevate and support the diverse talents in the Canadian Indigenous music community.

For more information and eligibility requirements for the Henry Armstrong Award, please visit http://henryarmstrongaward.ca/.