The Recording Academy has launched the Indigenous Peoples Network, a global community dedicated to amplifying and preserving the contributions of Indigenous creators and their music traditions. Following a year of listening sessions, dialogue, and events, this milestone represents the Academy's commitment to diversity and inclusion across the music industry.

"The Recording Academy is committed to reflecting and serving all of today’s broad, bold, diverse music community,” said Harvey Mason jr., CEO of the Recording Academy. “I’m thrilled that we are playing a role in supporting Indigenous music creators. These music traditions have been with us forever and have influenced every American musical genre. And they are still thriving today.”

The Network’s creation has been aided by a number of individuals who have volunteered their time in service to developing this community resource. Participants in the initial work group include: YVHIKV of THRONE, Raven Kanatakta Polson-Lahache, Mersaedy Atkins, Renata Yazzie, Lil Mike & Funny Bone, Connor Chee – Diné, Raye Zaragoza, Nimkish Younging, Nathan Mudge, PJ Vegas, and Ralph Olivarez. Tribal affiliations of these participants include Pawnee, Choctaw, Navajo Nation, Akimel O’odham, Tumutevarovaro, The Yoeme People, Chino and more. Sean Smith (Chinook), Executive Vice President of Communications, also participates in the group.

Ongoing Commitment To Indigenous Representation

The Academy's efforts to support Indigenous creators extend beyond the network. In 2023, it hosted a discussion and performance with the composer and music supervisor of "Reservation Dogs" and country artist Vincent Neil Emerson, whose music is featured in the acclaimed show. Last year also marked the first-ever land acknowledgment at the GRAMMY Awards Premiere Ceremony, setting a precedent for greater inclusion.

Read more: 5 Indigenous Artists To Know: Earth Surface People, Sage Cornelius & More

The Indigenous Peoples Network is a cornerstone of the Recording Academy’s DREAM Initiative (Diversity Re-imagined by Engaging All Musicmakers), an ambitious program led by the Academy’s DEI team, Ricky Lyon and Jessica Omokheyeke. DREAM unites a wide range of initiatives aimed at fostering inclusion and equity across the music industry. 

In addition to the Indigenous Peoples Network, the Academy has developed several other resource groups and programs to address the needs of diverse communities:

  • Women in the Mix: A community for women in music, advocating for increased representation within the Academy and the broader industry.

  • Black Music Collective: Dedicated to the inclusion, recognition, and advancement of Black music creators and professionals.

  • GRAMMYs Next Gen: A platform designed to support and empower the next generation of music creators and industry professionals.

  • Academy Proud: Focused on LGBTQIA+ inclusion within the GRAMMY Organization and the music community at large.

  • Gold Music Alliance: Fostering meaningful connections and elevating the impact of Pan-Asian members and allies within the GRAMMY community and the industry.

  • RAA+D (Recording Academy Accessibility & Disability): A commitment to achieving true accessibility for everyone in the music community, going beyond compliance.

The Recording Academy envisions the Indigenous Peoples Network as a key component of its ongoing programming and outreach efforts. With plans to further establish the network’s core goals, the Academy aims to expand representation during marquee events, including GRAMMY Week.

Looking ahead to 2025, the Indigenous Peoples Network is set to grow its impact through targeted initiatives such as advocacy, community-building, and collaborative events. These efforts exemplify the Academy’s commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for Indigenous creators across the music industry.

Learn more about the Recording Academy's Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, recent DEI achievements, and year-round work to support artists, creators and music professionals of all backgrounds.