kiowakat

This was E-mailed to me wanted to share it with the group:

I wonder if you might help me help Ralph Kotay win this year's Native American Music Award in the "best traditional recording" category. His recording, "Kiowa Hymns," is up for this year's prize at the NAMMY site http://www.nammys.com/ under "Best Traditional Recording" (W). Anyone can vote, Indian or non-Indian. All you need to do is register, get your log-in information from the Email address you provide, then log in, and vote. All you need to do to vote for Ralph is to select the "button" next to the cover that reads "Ralph Kotay Kiowa Hymns" in category "W," Best Traditional Recording. You can listen to each selection in all the categories.You have to vote in all the other categories too. (I'm not into Indian Rap, Flute or HipHop). Recognition has been a long time coming to Ralph for all the work he's done to preserve Kiowa hymns. I'd appreciate your help. Would you be so kind as to send this to the various Email lists that you're on? The more votes we get the better. I would very much appreciate it!

Here's the translation to that hymn, which is known as the "Easter Song":

Jesus was nailed to the cross.
Jesus was nailed to the cross.
All call on Him in prayer.
All call on Him in prayer.
For our sins.
That is why He was nailed to the cross.

Ralph is 75; lives in Apache, Oklahoma; is a well-known Kiowa singer (particularly of powwow and church songs); and grew up in both the Methodist and peyote church. He is among the most respected singers in the Kiowa tribe. His dedication to singing and preserving Kiowa hymns, in particular, has become his untiring effort to help save the Kiowa language. Kiowa hymns, unlike other Kiowa songs, contain the widest breadth of Kiowa words and expressions, and represent a priceless connection to Kiowa history, memory, and culture.
Ralph has collaborated on three books about the early Christian Churches among the Kiowa. Recently he was a featured speaker/presenter on Native Music at the Buffalo Bill Historic Center in Cody, WY. He teaches hymn and language classes to all interested people in SW Oklahoma. He retired from Ft. Sill after 35+ years of federal service. He is not only and outstanding individual but a friend. Your help in this matter is greatly appreciated.