UNESCO has declared 2022 - 2032 to be the decade of Indigenous Languages, in recognition of them disappearing at alarming rates. Terri-Lynn's Grizzly Bear Town Album and live show are performed in the endangered Haida language, one of a few bands that perform in Indigenous languages. Terri-Lynn has recorded three albums in the Haida Language since 2008.
"We make music about place, spirit, culture and laws, wrapped in stunning guitar, sax and flute, expressed in the ancient Haida language."
SGaanaGwa
The band from left to right: Camille Henderson, Jodi Proznik, Claire Lawrence, Terri-Lynn Williams-Davidson, Bill Henderson, Saffron Henderson. Photo by Farah Nosh
"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 is a compelling collaboration exploring the Haida Worldview of a Supernatural landscape through traditional Haida music intertwoven with influences from jazz, blues, folk and rock.
SGaanaGwa integrates ancient Haida knowledge and oral traditions and draws upon the magic that occurs in both traditional potlatches and jazz improvisation, which they bring to their live performances. Their concerts are an invitation to explore new territories, to share music, knowledge and sounds that summon feelings and images that flow from the Supernatural landscape. A driving force of the band is to propel the conversation about past and future, history and legacy, and the human experience of the Supernatural Realm around us. “We want to connect people of different backgrounds, to help bridge cultures, and to have some fun on the way”.
LISTEN: "Grizzly Bear Town" (2017)
Grizzly Bear Town is an album by Terri-Lynn Williams-Davidson, with Bill Henderson and Claire Lawrence. The heart of this album is to bridge cultures, by respectfully blending ancient knowledge with contemporary music.
““Listening to this enchanting album develops a unique peacefulness and intrigue in me, and when I wonder how this listening has done that, I play it again with an ever increasing understanding and appreciation of it’s influence on me.
Through these songs and wonderful sounds, an unexpected journey unfolds connecting rich and important native history with vibrant threads of musical expressions woven from the fingers and voices of truly gifted guides. Terri-Lynn, Bill Henderson and Claire Lawrence have created an experience that expands ones imagery far beyond an unexceptional horizon so often encountered in daily travels. I love the ever present influence of rich ancestry, respect and love of Nature....and of the powerful unknown. “Grizzly Bear Town” is a fabulous piece of work, and stimulating on many delightful levels.” ”
PRESS PHOTOS
Click image to download larger file - for press and publicity use only. Photos by Farah Nosh.
MUSIC VIDEOS
'My Mind is Relieved'
‘My Mind is Relieved’ is from the ‘Grizzly Bear Town’ album released in August 2017. My husband Robert Davidson composed this song to celebrate the completion of a tremendous undertaking, such as a potlatch. He gifted this song to all Haida people at the conclusion of his potlatch on October 29, 2016. Read more →
'Grizzly Bear Town'
In honour of gid7ahl-Gudsllaay, Susan Williams, nee Young, nee Moody. Nanaay 7aawaay, great-grandmother, song custodian, ancestress of the Skedans Ravens, and centenarian who lived from about 1862-1971. Read more →
STORY VIDEOS
Peace Making Story
The story and motivation behind our new album, recorded and filmed on location in beautiful Haida Gwaii.
Grizzly Bear Town Story
Our influences behind the song and album, ‘Grizzly Bear Town’.
The Story of sGuuluu Jaad, Foam Woman.
Foam Woman is a Supernatural Being and ancestress of the Haida people who are Ravens.
BEHIND THE SCENES
Supernatural Beings: On Location in Haida Gwaii
Terri-Lynn Williams-Davidson, Bill Henderson and Claire Lawrence talk about recording the album Grizzly Bear Town on location in Haida Gwaii, and about the song Landslide Lady.
Truth, Reconciliation & Improvisation
Terri-Lynn Williams-Davidson, Bill Henderson and Claire Lawrence talk about their journey of truth, reconciliation and improvisation in the album Grizzly Bear Town.
Grizzly Bear Town - THE Making Of
Terri-Lynn Williams-Davidson, Bill Henderson and Claire Lawrence talk about the making of the single Grizzly Bear Town.
““In this time of growing social, political and climate chaos, it’s widely understood that we need to work together over ethnic and cultural divides with deep love and creativity to heal ourselves and to come together to save this beautiful planet.
We dedicate this music to that great adventure.”
”