Sky N-D-N
The Elder in the Room
CCI Session 3 2025
DJ Sky N-D-N entered the Prison Electronic Music Program with a clear sense of purpose that helped shape the tone of the entire cohort. As the oldest participant in the group, he naturally stepped into the role of an elder: someone who listens deeply, speaks with intention, and holds space for others to grow. From day one, he made it known that his Native American heritage was central to who he was and how he wanted to move through the class. His DJ name reflected that—“Sky” from his Native name, and “N-D-N,” a stylized abbreviation he used to reclaim and represent his Indigenous identity.
From the start, he infused the program with a strong sense of culture and purpose. During opening circles, Sky N-D-N regularly shared reflections that connected music to something far older than software or DJ equipment. He reminded the group that music has always been a core part of community:
“Every ancient civilization danced around fire... Music was how they told stories, how they healed, how they came together.”
That perspective added weight to the work—framing the class not just as skill-building, but as part of a long human tradition of using rhythm and sound to connect.
While some participants initially found his reflections long-winded, that perception changed quickly. Over time, his presence became something others relied on, especially during moments of tension, frustration, or self-doubt. Whether peers were struggling with technical skills like beat matching or facing the discomfort of opening up in a group setting, Sky N-D-N offered calm encouragement and reminders to trust the process. He often picked up on emotional cues others missed and made space for deeper reflection. His relationship with fellow participant OTN Rome reflected this.
At the start of the program, OTN Rome (the youngest in the cohort) was often withdrawn and hesitant to engage in class discussions, especially vulnerable ones. Sky N-D-N took note and made it a point to take him under his wing. He checked in through quiet one-on-one moments and affirmed Rome’s presence during larger group discussions, offering encouragement and perspective without pressure. As someone who naturally took on the role of an elder, Sky N-D-N shared personal reflections and introduced new ways of thinking that challenged Rome to reflect more deeply. Over time, those small moments made a difference. Rome began opening up: contributing more to discussions, having breakthroughs in conversation, and forming connections with people he said he would have avoided on the yard. Sky N-D-N helped make that shift possible by consistently modeling what it looked like to lead with patience, humility, and openness.
Just as he showed up for others in conversation, he brought the same care and thoughtfulness to his musical creations. A lifelong drummer, Sky N-D-N incorporated layered percussion into many of his DJ sets, drawing from both traditional Native drumming and global rhythms. His playlists were curated with purpose, with each track chosen to uplift, motivate, and move the room. As his skills grew, so did his vision. He began to see how DJing could be more than a creative expression—it could amplify his long-held dream of becoming a motivational speaker. Music gave him a new way to reach people, combining rhythm, emotion, and message in service of connection.
His approach to music reflects the same values he brings to every space: presence, encouragement, and a deep commitment to empowering others.
He closed the program the way he moved through it all along: with care, intention, and generosity. On graduation day, he offered a ceremonial blessing to Teaching Artists Chaz and Esseance—a meaningful gesture of gratitude not just for their guidance, but for the space they made possible. Sky N-D-N understood that his own growth, and the group’s, was shaped by the environment they nurtured. It was a moment of thanks from someone who had given so much, and who remained grounded enough to recognize the people who made it all possible.
If there’s one word to describe Sky N-D-N influence on the group, it’s grounding. His impact was felt in the way people showed up more fully, shared more honestly, and pushed past comfort zones they might not have otherwise touched. For many, he was the first to show that vulnerability and leadership are not opposites, they go hand in hand.
He would want people outside these walls to understand that music is more than a pastime. It's a powerful force—one that connects people across backgrounds, traditions, and life experiences. And inside a prison, it can be a lifeline. A place to find your voice, and help others find theirs too.
Support programs that create space for leaders like Sky N-D-N—where wisdom is shared, community is built, and music becomes a bridge to healing. Donate today.
