Hailing from the Akwesasne (Mohawk) Territory nestled between New York and Canada, Nammy Award Winning,Singer- Songwriter Atsiaktonkie  (ah-jeeak-doon-gee-ay) is a charismatic performer who invites listeners to embark on a spiritual journey through the power of voice, music, and lyrics.

A self-taught musician who is versatile in guitar, piano, harmonica, drums, bass guitar, hand drum, and flute, Atsiaktonkie is the 2009 recipient of a Native American Music Award (NAMMY) for Best Folk Recording for his CD Four Wolves Prophecy (Strong Wind Records).  He is also the first Mohawk from the Akwesasne region to win a NAMMY, which is the equivalent to winning a Grammy Award. 

Atsiaktonkie is donating half of the proceeds from all CD sales to the Akwesasne Freedom School, which helps preserve the Mohawk culture and language that is diminishing rapidly.

 “The children that attend Freedom School are the last chance for our language, culture, and history to stay alive,” said Atsiaktonkie.  “Monies from CD sales will help pay teachers and make necessary repairs to the school.  If Freedom School closes, we could be faced with our way of life being lost forever.”

Formerly the singer-songwriter of Native Alternative Folk Band December Wind, Atsiaktonkie has managed to maintain a wide fan base as a solo artist stretching the country nationwide especially in the southwestern states and internationally throughout Canada. 

He even caught the attention of Neil Young who sent Atsiaktonkie the song “The Treaty” to record.

“When Neil Young sent me that song, I wasn’t spiritually ready to record it,” said Atsiaktonkie.  “However I did recently start working on it, and I am very excited to hear what Neil Young thinks once it’s finished.”

On his award winning CD, Four Wolves Prophecy; Atsiaktonkie mixes elements of folk, rock, country and Americana with poignant lyrics and harmonious melodies.  Media and fans alike have compared his writing style to the likes of Bob Dylan and Leonard

Cohen, while his vocals are reminiscent of Michael Stipe from R.E.M. and Neil Young.

 Atsiaktonkie’s superb musical style has garnered such comments as "The most beautiful music I ever heard," "I simply must buy this CD," "Every cut is a gem,"  "Just incredible,” “Absolutely worth a listen” and “Top-notch,” making Atsiaktonkie one of the most admired industrious trendsetters in folk music today.

Atsiaktonkie’s Four Wolves Prophecy CD can be purchased locally on the St. Regis Mohawk reservation at CKON Radio, The Bear’s Den, Nation Bookstore, Wild Bill’s, #9 Truckstop, Kanienkehaka Fuels, as well on this website and at www.drumbeatindianarts.com.

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