Blue Bombers kicker nominated for Juno award

Winnipeg Blue Bomber kicker Troy Westwood missed out on a Grey Cup last fall — but now he has a chance for another big honour, this time for his singing.

Westwood, who records under the pseudonym "Little Hawk," was nominated yesterday for a Juno for aboriginal recording of the year for his album Home and Native Land.

"Although I'm not aboriginal as defined by the government, I have been adopted traditionally by a family — Dave and Orianna Courchene on the Sagkeeng First Nation," he told CBC News on Tuesday. 

"I would never say to anyone that I'm aboriginal, but I would say that I'm Anishnabe."

Four other artists were nominated in the same category: Derek Miller, Donny Parenteau, Fara Palmer and Sandy Scofield.

Westwood said he does not feel competitive about music or the awards.

"The best thing about [awards] is that they help you to shine a bit more light on your music, and possibly a few more people will listen to your music," he said. "As an artist, you want to reach as many people as possible."

Other Juno nominees with Manitoba connections include:

• Neil Young: Adult alternative album of the year for Chrome Dreams II.
• Compadres (James Keelaghan and Oscar Lopez): Roots and traditional album (group) for Buddy, Where You Been?.
• Amanda Falk: Contemporary Christian/gospel album for Beautiful.
• Nathan: Roots and traditional album (group) for Key Principles.
• Loreena McKennitt: music DVD of the year for Nights From the Alhambra.
• James Ehnes: two nominations for classical album (large ensemble or soloist(s) with large ensemble accompaniment).

The 2008 Juno Awards will be handed out April 6 in Calgary.