No Grammys for Indians in 2012

As Feared, No Traditional American Indian Acts Receive Grammy NominationsWhen the Recording Academy announced it was restructuring its Grammy Award categories earlier this year, it was hard to envision Native American artists getting anything but the shaft. And with the announcement of the 2012 nominees, that has indeed come to pass.

Since 2001, the Best Native American Album category had been presented to pow wow groups, flutists and other Native musicians; winners have included Bill Miller, Mary Youngblood, and artists captured live at the annual Gathering of Nations Pow Wow. The restructuring, though, eliminates the Native American category and groups albums from it with those from also-eliminated categories Hawaiian, Cajun/Zydeco, and Polka.

How does this shake out in the first go-round? Visit the “Americana” nominees page and scroll down to the Best Regional Roots Music Album, here’s what you’ll find in terms of nominees by former category:

Polka: 1
Hawaiian: 1
Cajun/Zydeco: 3

Native American: 0Comment:  For more on the subject, see Santana Calls Grammys Racist and No More Native Grammys.