TAHLEQUAH — The Cherokee National Youth Choir has been awarded the 2007 Best Gospel/Inspirational Recording by the Native American Music Awards for its release “Comfort and Joy.”

“The members of the youth choir are wonderful ambassadors for the Cherokee Nation,” said Chad Smith, principal chief of the Cherokee Nation. “We are all proud of their accomplishments and look forward to their continued success in years to come. I congratulate everyone involved with the choir on this achievement.”

The Native American Music Awards honors and recognizes the musical achievements of Native American artists across the United States in more than 30 award categories. Established in 1998, it is one of the only national award shows in the world honoring Native American and Aboriginal music initiatives. The NAMMY award was born out of a need to provide greater opportunity and recognition for traditional and contemporary Native American musicians. It has become the one of the country’s leading sources for maintaining and promoting the songs of American Indians and their cultures.

“This is the first NAMMY the choir has received since I’ve become involved with the group,” said Mary Kay Henderson, choir director. “We are very honored by this award.”

The Cherokee National Youth Choir performs traditional Cherokee songs in the Cherokee language. The choir came into existence from the vision of Smith, who saw it as a way to keep children involved in the Cherokee language and culture. This latest recognition brings the group’s total NAMMY count to three such awards since its inception in 2000.

“I’m so proud of each of these young men and women,” said Kathy Sierra, youth choir coordinator. “It is the kids and their dedication to Cherokee culture that make the youth choir such a success. The popularity of the youth choir has brought forth a lot of wonderful opportunities.”

For more information about the Cherokee National Youth Choir, call 453-5618.