Canada's NAMMYs

Country stars Yellowbird, Parenteau lead contenders for Aboriginal Music AwardsAboriginal musicians from across the country will descend on downtown Toronto Friday for the ninth annual Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards.

Two country music artists are heading into Friday evening's ceremony at the top of the nominee list: Alberta's Shane Yellowbird and Saskatchewan's Donny Parenteau.

The two have scored five nominations each and Parenteau told CBC News that it's exciting to lead the pack this year.