North Country Heritage Awards are given in four categories
INHERITED
Recognition of artists or practitioners who have mastered oral, musical, social or material expressions that are traditional to their family or community, particularly those that are traditional to the North Country region; exposed to them in formative years within the family or community; generally have learned them informally by face-to-face contact, by word-of-mouth, observation and example; have unselfconsciously absorbed the culture and the context for making and using the art; have passed them on to the younger generation. Presented to individuals, families, or community groups.
ADOPTED
Recognition of artists or practitioners who have mastered oral, musical, social or material expressions that are traditional, particularly those that are traditional to the North Country region; the practice was not learned within their family or community by inheritance but largely acquired by more formal study, such as classes, lessons, formal apprenticeship, reading, workshops with artists, etc.; first exposed and learned as adults, as a hobby or for recreation, etc.; often have become real students of the culture and context for the art, learned and taught consciously; often have become good teachers who pass the art and context on to others. Presented to individuals, families, or community groups.
VERY SPECIAL PLACES
Recognition of sites in North Country communities that are special to the life of those communities, have served multiple generations over time, are community gathering places, meet a community’s social, spiritual, economic or entertainment needs, and are a factor in community or regional identity.
EVERGREEN
Recognition of individuals, groups, and businesses for their continuing interest in and generous support of traditional cultures, arts and artists… and of programs which increase public understanding and appreciation of them.