- Details
- By Native News Online Staff
The SOCAN Foundation, which fosters, sustains, and promotes the creation of Canadian music, recently announced that Mamarudegyal MTHC, also known as Diana Hellson, has been named the recipient of this year’s TD Indigenous Songwriter Award.
Hellson, an Afro-Indigenous artist from Siksiká Nation on Treaty No. 7 Territory in Alberta, Canada, is being recognized for her contributions to the music industry as a dynamic voice in Hip Hop and R&B.
Since releasing her debut EP MRG in 2016, Hellson has gained recognition, including two Fraser Valley Music Awards for Best Hip Hop (Female) and Queer Excellence in Music. She is known for her lyricism and powerful performances.
“My journey as a Song Keeper has led me to incredible places across Turtle Island, and sacred places within myself,” Hellson said in a press release. “It's truly a privilege to have the ability to express myself and all of life's mayhem and beauty in the form of song; it is an especially high privilege to achieve a milestone like this in my career. I am so grateful to my team, my supporters, my loved ones, Napi, and Creator. Sookapi.”
The TD Indigenous Songwriter Award, supported by TD Bank Group, acknowledges the talent of Indigenous songwriters across all genres. Hellson will receive a $10,000 cash prize, along with the opportunity to participate in the SOCAN Foundation and Amazon Music’s Indigenous Song Camp in Toronto to further develop her career.
In addition to Hellson’s win, honorable mentions were awarded to five talented artists including Falynn Baptiste (nêhiyaw/Cree, Red Pheasant Cree Nation), Sebastian Gaskin (Cree, Tataskweyak Cree Nation), Juurini (Inuk), Phyllis Sinclair (Cree, York Factory First Nation), and Joel Wood (Cree).
Each will receive $1,000 to support their artistic growth, which can be used toward projects like recording, video production, or business development.
This year’s selection panel included past winner Leonard Sumner, alongside Charlotte Qamaniq and Sister Ray, who together highlighted the contributions made by this year’s recipients.
More Stories Like This
AMC’s “Dark Winds” Cast and Creatives Celebrate Season 3 at NYC Red Carpet Premiere EventThe Indigenous Fashion Show at the 2025 Reservation Economic Summit (RES) is Set for Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at Dria’s Nightclub in Las Vegas
Q&A: Zahn McClarnon on Season 03 of “Dark Winds”
Delapna: We Project in Zuni Reaches More Than 650 People with "Rabbit Praying for Snow"
Q&A with Laurel Goodluck, Author of "Fierce Aunties!"
Can we take a minute to talk about tribal sovereignty?
Our mission draws from the warrior spirit that has sustained Indigenous peoples for generations — the same spirit that drives us to stand guard over tribal rights through relentless investigation and fearless reporting.
Sovereignty isn't just a concept – it's the foundation of Native nations' right to govern, protect our lands, and preserve our cultures. Every story we publish strengthens tribal sovereignty.
Unlike mainstream media, we center Indigenous voices and report directly from Native communities. When we cover land rights, water protection, or tribal governance, we're not just sharing news – we're documenting our living history and defending our future.
Our journalism is powered by readers, not shareholders. If you believe in the importance of Native-led media in protecting tribal sovereignty, consider supporting our work today.
