Full Circle Harmony

Indigenous music holds profound significance in preserving and transmitting the cultural heritage, traditions, and values of Indigenous communities. It serves not only as a means of artistic expression but also as a vital tool for education and community cohesion.

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Cultural Preservation and Transmission

Indigenous music is integral in passing down knowledge from one generation to the next. Through songs, communities convey important cultural narratives, historical events, and moral lessons. These musical traditions help maintain a strong sense of identity and continuity among Indigenous people.

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Emotional and Spiritual Upliftment

Music in Indigenous cultures often plays a crucial role in ceremonies and rituals. It has the power to uplift spirits, offer emotional support, and foster a sense of unity and belonging. Whether celebrating joyous occasions or providing comfort during difficult times, Indigenous music is deeply interwoven with the community's emotional and spiritual life.

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Ecological Knowledge

Indigenous songs frequently embed ecological wisdom, reflecting a profound understanding of the natural world. These songs often include teachings about the environment, sustainable living, and the relationships between humans and nature. This ecological knowledge is passed down through generations, ensuring that the community remains connected to and respectful of their natural surroundings.

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Contributions by Shawn Stevens and Shannon Chada

Shawn Stevens and Shannon Chada contribute significantly to the preservation and dissemination of Indigenous music and culture. Their interactive music experiences, which incorporate storytelling, songwriting, and historical narratives, provide a dynamic platform for engaging both Indigenous and non-Indigenous audiences. Through their work, they offer a rich tapestry of cultural education, helping to bridge the gap between different communities and fostering a deeper appreciation of Indigenous heritage.

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Indigenous music is a living repository of cultural, spiritual, and ecological knowledge. It is a powerful medium for celebrating and preserving the rich heritage of Indigenous communities. Through the efforts of artists like Shawn Stevens and Shannon Chada, this music continues to inspire, educate, and unite people across generations and cultures.

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Shawn Stevens (Red Eagle)

Shawn Stevens, also known as Red Eagle, is a distinguished member of the Stockbridge Munsee band of Mohicans, a tribe originally from the Hudson Valley, NY, but now residing in Bowler, WI. As a Spiritualist, musician, artist, historian, and storyteller, Shawn dedicates his life to sharing the rich cultural heritage and spiritual wisdom of his people. Over the past few decades, he has traveled extensively, offering his knowledge and spiritual guidance across his ancestral lands and the Midwest.

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Shawn identifies himself as a "helper" rather than adopting titles such as “medicine man” or “shaman.” His spiritual journey involves sharing the teachings and practices bestowed upon him for the benefit of others. He is an ordained minister of the Universal Church of Light and a certified facilitator of White Bison’s Mending Broken Hearts program. As a traditional Native American storyteller, drummer, dancer, singer, and flute player, Shawn brings a holistic approach to his cultural expressions, ensuring the preservation and dissemination of his people's traditions.

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Shannon Chada

Shannon Chada's musical path was set early on, influenced by a family passionate about music. Her early years were filled with performances in children's choirs, school events, and local theater. Embracing her Native American roots, she was given the spirit name Mino Nagamowin Ikwe, meaning Good Singing Woman. Shannon's musical journey took her across the U.S. with her guitar, eventually leading her to Chicago where she performed with various bands across genres like folk, rock, and bluegrass.

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Raised in a family deeply involved in the Pow Wow circuit, Shannon was immersed in Native American traditions. Her mother was a Head Woman's Traditional Dancer, and her father was a Native Elder and member of the Eagle Singers drum group. Shannon herself became a Woman's Traditional Dancer, mastering traditional songs, chants, and dances.

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After graduating from the Lakulish Institute of Yoga in 2006 and receiving a mantra initiation from her Guru, Shannon and her husband, Ryan Chada, formed the folk-rock band Diggin' The Dirt. Although they paused their musical activities following their daughter's birth in 2012, they continued to create music at home. In November 2021, they returned to the music scene as Great Mystery, performing Conscious Music, Sound Healing, and Medicine Music at various events and festivals. Shannon currently offers monthly SongCircles at SoderWorld for community vocal training, musical expressions, and collaboration.

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Collaborative Journey

In 2023, Shawn and Shannon began collaborating, embarking on annual journeys to the Mohican Tribal Homelands. They perform Indigenous music, concerts, and storytelling sessions at schools, colleges, and events supporting Indigenous and environmental causes. Their performances aim to uplift, connect, and heal through music, offering a blend of traditional and contemporary expressions.

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Shawn and Shannon can be found sharing their musical gifts at venues like Kripalu, MA, and SoderWorld, IL, among other locations throughout the East and Midwest. Their work is dedicated to inspiring and supporting the healing of the planet through their unique blend of Indigenous music and storytelling.

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