Sonya Moody-Jurado

Sonya is a maker of traditional powwow and ceremonial regalia who has also been employed by her tribe as an education specialist for over 30 years. She does not necessarily see herself as an artist, but as someone who helps people reconnect with their culture and make items to participate in cultural and ceremonial events. Sonya believes it is important to understand the teachings around traditional ceremonial Nee Dash dance which was reintroduced in her community when the Dance House opened in 1996. Each piece of regalia has a story and each piece of regalia is meant to be danced a certain way.

When her community comes together at dance time they take back their power, become stronger as a community, recognize their place in the world, and reclaim their relationship with the land they live on.