ABOUT SONDRA SEGUNDO

Sondra is an artist, singer/songwriter of the Haida language, cultural educator and published author & illustrator of children’s stories & books at Chatwin Books, Seattle, WA & Readworks, Brooklyn, NY.

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Sondra was born and raised at a time when many native speakers of the Haida language were still alive. From a very young age, she began learning traditional Haida songs with her Elders. She also grew up singing gospel music and learning by ear how to memorize harmonies in a South Seattle choir (Rainier Temple), giving her a unique opportunity to blend her endangered language, culture and gospel singing style.

In 2018, she joined tribal funk band Khu’éex’ which is based in Seattle and sings in the Haida, Tlingit & English Languages. Her songs and vocals will be featured on their upcoming albums and documentary film "The Magic of Noise" with Khu.éex'". She also makes music solo & with her husband Eroc, together they've released 3 albums.

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She was fortunate to apprentice with Jane Kristovich, a fluent native speaker of the Masset Haida dialect in her 90's, during the last years of Jane's life. This led Sondra to become the founder of Haida Roots, a non-profit organization that connects Haida to resources and opens opportunities for sharing their culture and learning Xaad kíl (haidaroots.com).