Adrian scored his first sound recording award for his sophomore album, Precious Diamonds! 

After more than a decade of releasing music, Adrian Sutherland has earned international recognition, taking home the award for Best Americana Album at the World Entertainment Awards (WEAs). The album received the honour on January 31, during the GRAMMYs weekend in Los Angeles.

“It means so much to me to have my music recognized internationally,” said Sutherland, who was at home in Attawapiskat, Ontario, when he received the news. “Musicians work hard, and sometimes it feels like nobody is listening. For me, this award validates that my music is being heard, and is being acknowledged by musical peers from all around the world.”

Adrian Sutherland’s Precious Diamonds showcases his deep connection to his culture, and two songs sung in Omushkegowuk Cree, his first language, further cementing his commitment to preserving and celebrating Indigenous culture through music.

While Sutherland was unable to attend the WEAs in person, fellow First Nations musician Rhonda Head from Opaskwayak Cree Nation accepted the award on his behalf. Standing on stage, she took a moment to speak in Swampy Cree, bringing Indigenous language and culture to the forefront of the international event.

“It was such an honour to accept this award for Adrian. I’m so proud of him for receiving this incredible international recognition,” said Head, who was attending her fifth GRAMMY Awards weekend. “I spoke Cree and was so proud to share my language with the audience. It meant a lot to represent our culture in that moment.”

Sutherland’s win marks a significant milestone in his career, proving that his music resonates beyond the North and is making waves on the global stage. With Precious Diamonds, he continues to amplify Indigenous voices and stories through music, ensuring that the world is listening.

ABOUT WEA

The World Entertainment Awards honour, recognize, and reward excellence, outstanding talent, and the creative spirit across all mainstream media entertainment on a global scale. These awards celebrate a year’s worth of hard work, dedication, and creativity from some of the biggest names in the industry.

ABOUT PRECIOUS DIAMONDS

The album was produced in Nashville by Colin Linden and released on March 15, 2024. The album features contributions from renowned musicians like Mickey Raphael, including Jim Hoke, Jeff Taylor, and Jerry Roe.

With Omushkegowuk Cree tracks like Notawe (Father) and Kiyash (Before), he invites listeners into a world rich with tradition and storytelling. 

More than just an album, Precious Diamonds is a deeply personal journey—one that traces Sutherland’s path from a young boy dreaming about music in Attawapiskat to an artist whose work now inspires Indigenous communities across Canada. It’s a reminder of the power of art to heal, unite, and drive change.

Listen to Precious Diamonds on all music platforms.