NCI Jam 2019 has a language component

By Trevor Greyeyes

Radio network NCI FM is bringing back its very popular talent show to Manitoba after a five-year hiatus that you can check out at the Burton Cummings Theatre on October 5.

There’s a twist to this year’s jam though and all contestants have to work in a verse of the song being performed in one of the Indigenous languages used in the province.

NCI wants to honour 2019 as the Year of Indigenous languages that is an important part of NCI’s mandate. Currently, the station features DJ’s who speak in their Indigenous language

Sherri Shorting, a mother of five from Little Saskatchewan First Nation, is understandably excited about taking the stage.

Her community is just a three hour drive from Winnipeg.

“I think it’s great that we are asked to sing a chorus or two in our language and I’m looking forward to it,” said Shorting. “This year’s jam is about celebrating our language and there’s no better way than to express ourselves through song.”

She’s been getting congratulation messages from relatives throughout the province and her community excited that Shorting has been given the opportunity to represent her community.
Best of luck to all contestants:

BERTHA WHITFORD – MALLARD

ERNIE HARPER – RED SUCKER LAKE

CHARITY CHOKEN – PEGUIS

JESSE GENAILLE – SWAN RIVER

ROXY FLETT– CROSS LAKE

JACK HARPER – GARDEN HILL

BEN KYLNE – DUCK BAY

ZACK RICHARDS – OCN

MARIE BOUCHER – DUCK BAY

DANIEL KENT – LITTLE BLACK RIVER

KEARA BARRETT – NORWAY HOUSE

NORWAY RABLIAUSKAS – POPLAR RIVER

BRANDI EVANS – CROSS LAKED

DARRIN HANSLIP – LAKE MANITOBA

SHERRI SHORTING – LITTLE SASKATCHEWAN

STUART DENEMY – PEELEEKISIS

FELISHA HARTIG – LITTLE BLACK RIVER

* List subject to change without notice.