"Primal. Soulful. Brings the past to the present."
- Tom Jackson
"We make music about place, spirit, culture and laws, wrapped in stunning guitar, sax and flute, expressed in the ancient Haida language."
- SGaanaGwa
SGaanaGwa is a compelling musical collaboration exploring the Haida worldview of a Supernatural landscape through the power of live performance. Rooted in ancient Haida knowledge and oral traditions, their music bridges the worlds of past and future-blending traditional Haida song with the improvisatory spirit of jazz, the grit of blues, the intimacy of folk, and the electric energy of rock.
SGaanaGwa draws inspiration from the magic of traditional potlatches and the freedom of jazz, bringing these worlds together in concerts that are as thought-provoking as they are celebratory. Their music is a call to remember, to reflect, and to reach across cultures in the spirit of true reconciliation.
"We want to connect people of different backgrounds, to help bridge cultures, and to have some fun on the way". - SGaanaGwa
Their name, SGaanaGwaâa Haida word meaning supernatural or powerful being-embodies their creative vision: to share songs and stories that summon images and emotions from the Supernatural Realm.
"Our concerts are an invitation to come explore new territories, a place the audience didn't know existed, and a sound to summon feelings and images that flow from the Supernatural Beings. We like to help bridge cultures to help connect people of different backgrounds in the spirit of true reconciliation and, to have some fun on the way." -
SGaanaGwa
Featuring Haida traditional singers and modern instrumentalists-including saxophone, flute, electric guitar, and the voices of multiple generations-SGaanaGwa is more than a band. It is a living collaboration grounded in tradition and lifted by innovation.
SGaanaGwa is:
Terri-Lynn Williams-Davidson - vocals Bill Henderson - guitar, vocals Claire Lawrence - sax, flute Jodi Proznick - bass Saffron Henderson - vocals Camille Henderson - vocals Geoff Hicks - drums Chris Hockey - drums
