Music has always been a part of Marcia Chum Sackaney's life, but she said it was only a few years ago that she started making her own music.
"In matters of the heart, I guess a lot of people don't know how to deal with that, so I lock myself up in here and I was strumming some chords and I just started singing some things I was feeling and I came up with a song," she explained.
Marcia has been nominated for best song at the Native American Music Awards for her creation called 'If Only'.
"This is something that's huge for Aboriginal women in the north," said Linda Chum Martin, Marcia's mom
"With all the difficulties that Aboriginal people have been experiencing, this is such a breath of fresh air that comes in and says ‘this is a successful story’."
Marcia has written several songs in her room located in the Kapuskasing Indian Friendship Centre; where she works with youth.
"Even on a really rough day, if you come in and she's down here singing you just automatically feel better, and relaxed," said Jennifer Jones, Marcia's co-worker.
"It's like an angel."
Marcia said if her song wins, she'll use her platform to inspire others.
"It wasn't easy to get here and I'm blessed to have the support system," said Marcia
"(My) family always has my back."
The 17th annual Native American Music Awards ceremony takes place on October 14 in Niagara Falls, New York.
Online voting determines winners, but in Marcia's mind, she says she's already won; because she's captured the hearts of northern First Nations women.
