From a media release:
AND THE WINNER IS… TRADITIONAL DANCE TRIO SAGKEENG’S FINEST TAKES THE TOP SPOT ON CITYTV’S CANADA’S GOT TALENT
Three teenagers from Fort Alexander, MB, danced their way into the hearts of Canadians across the country, as Sagkeeng’s Finest was named the first-ever winner of Canada’s Got Talent earlier this evening on Citytv. By a clear majority, the traditional dance trio was the country’s highest vote-getter and will take home the grand prize of $100,000 (Cdn), a brand new Nissan GT-R, tickets for an all-inclusive trip to the island of Tobago, a spot in Citytv’s New Year’s Bash, a chance to perform in a Las Vegas show, and the title of Canada’s Most Talented Act.
Members of Sagkeeng First Nation, Vincent O’Laney (17), and brothers Brandon (18) and Dallas Courchene (17) formed Sagkeeng’s Finest when they heard about Canada’s Got Talent. Their journey began in Winnipeg at the casting tour in September 2011, followed by the Live Theatre Audition Tour (December 2011) and live semifinals (April 2012). In last night’s Live Finals, Sagkeeng’s Finest performed to a mash-up of Raghav’s “Fire†and Metro Station’s “Shake Itâ€, with a fusion of traditional clogging and tap. The performance earned them the title of ‘most improved’ from judge Stephan Moccio, and ‘biggest risk-taker’ from judge Measha Brueggergosman, while fellow judge Martin Short said the group represents “pure joy.â€
“Sagkeeng’s Finest is a uniquely-Canadian talent that struck a chord with communities across the country. The First Nation’s traditional dance trio are outstanding role models – not only for their community, but for all Canadian youth,†said Ed Robinson, Executive Producer, Canada’s Got Talent, Rogers Media. “Their spirit captured the hearts of the nation, and their story is a testament to what hard work, dedication and commitment can achieve. We are proud to bring this unique act to a national stage.â€