R. Carlos Nakai is a Native American flutist of Navajo/Ute heritage. He released his first album, Changes, in 1983 and since then his work has been universally appreciated. Part of Nakai's philosophy is to ensure that the native flute does not become a "museum piece" of a bygone culture. Through his original compositions and other musical collaborations, Nakai intends to show the instrument's versatility and capabilities. Since 1990, Nakai has also collaborated with pianist Peter Kater. Together they have recorded four albums, Natives, How the West Was Lost, Honorable Sky and Migrations (winner of the 1992 Indie Award).