Oklahoma Girl Wins Native American Music Award, Youngest Ever Nominated

An Oklahoma girl took home a big win during the Native American Music Awards on Saturday. Ava Rose Johnson is from Red Oak in Latimer County. She's just 12 years old, but has a powerful voice and is a gifted songwriter.<br/><br/>

Tuesday, November 5th 2019, 8:33 am

By: Tess Maune

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Oklahoma Girl Wins Native American Music Award, Youngest Ever Nominated

An Oklahoma girl took home a big win during the Native American Music Awards on Saturday.

Ava Rose Johnson is from Red Oak in Latimer County. She's just 12 years old, but has a powerful voice and is a gifted songwriter.

Over the weekend, she won Best Independent Recording by a New Artist at the Native American Music Awards in Niagara Falls, New York.

Ava is the youngest to ever be nominated for a Native American Music Award, making her the youngest to ever win an NAMA.

"I am so honored. God is so awesome, and I pray others are blessed by my music," Ava said.

The winning song, “Heaven's Window,” is in memory of Ava's late friend, Behr Place. Behr was only 10 years-old when he died in an ATV crash nearly 3 years ago.

Behr's mom said the song helps her son's legacy live on and is also giving children and adults comfort as they navigate the tough grieving process.

Ava co-wrote the song in Nashville and also recorded a music video.

She represented the Cherokee and Osage Nation Tribes at the Native American Music Awards.

Tess Maune

Tess Maune, born and raised in El Reno, Oklahoma, joined News On 6 in March 2012. She’s an anchor and reporter for 6 in the Morning and is also the News On 6’s outdoor and wildlife reporter.

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