Ernest Monias

Ernest Monias is a Cree recording artist from Manitoba, Canada. An important figure in Canadian Indigenous music, Monias has been nicknamed the "Elvis of the North".

Early life

Monias is born in Cross Lake First Nation and moved to Wabowden, Manitoba at the age of 4. He attended a Canadian [Indian residential school system|residential school] in Portage [La Prairie, Manitoba].

Music career

Monias released his first album in 1979, after being discovered by Ray St. Germain. The album Original Recordings included his most popular song "If I Wanted You Girl" and was followed by 21 more albums. Monias received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Indigenous Music Awards. He was elected into the Manitoba Aboriginal Music Hall of Fame in 2005.