A Lawton woman scored two nominations in the Native American Music Awards

LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - Richelle Darby Garcia is celebrating quite the accomplishment, after being announced as a double nominee in the Native American Music Awards.

“The best Christian single of the year was “Victory Highway” and that features Chuck Pierce and the second one, for the Best Single of the Year, was called “No More Trail of Tears” and features Jones Swallow,” Garcia said.

The awards ceremony has been around for 20 years but this was Garcia’s first year attending.

“Just knowing that we were rooting for each other and we were there to support one another and it wasn’t about you know a competition thing,” Garcia said.

Garcia said she makes music to inspire and uplift Native Americans and remind them they are strong.

“I just want our Native people to move forward and know what God has for us and to know that again we are not going to be moved. We are not going to be shaken,” Garcia said.

For Garcia, singing is her ministry and it’s something she enjoys doing with her family as they travel regularly to different reservations to sing.

“You know these songs are ministering forgiveness. You know we are not going to stay stuck in the past, we’re going to move forward. You know that’s what her song “Trails of Tears” is about. We’re not going to be shaken, we’re not going to be moved, we’re going to move forward,” Koreena Velazquez said.

“You got to know what your singing, you have to know who you are singing to and what you are singing. Even what you’re playing, you have to know your instrument. We don’t just see it as an instrument, it’s a weapon, you have to know how to use it well,” Crystal Chiddix said.

They said the lessons they learned from Garcia have made them better singers and strengthened the ministry.

As for Garcia, she says she’s living out a lifelong dream.

“I’ve always wanted what I do in music, and just the message, to be able to reach all the different tribes and nations,” Garcia said.

Click Here to watch the music video.

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