Keith Secola

A seven-time Native American Music Award winner, Keith Secola has been recognized not only for his musical talent but also for his contributions as a producer. He earned the Best Linguistic Recording award at the 2007 NAMMYs for producing ANISHINABEMOIN, an album dedicated to preserving the Anishinaabe language. A pioneer in blending rock, folk, and blues with Indigenous storytelling, his music speaks to the resilience and spirit of Native peoples.

A celebrated icon of Native American music, whose influence spans generations. His groundbreaking song “NDN Kars” is featured in AMC’s hit series Dark Winds, alongside his tracks “Frybread” and “Book of Life.” “NDN Kars” (Dark Winds Version) adds to the song’s storied history and legacy. One of the most ubiquitous and popular songs across Indigenous and Native American nations, “NDN Kars” remains an anthem of sovereignty, identity and resistance. Its journey and place in culture tells a remarkable story, from its original cassette release to its breakout feature on “Dance Me Outside,” from its remix by The Halluci Nation to this new version for 2025, the “most requested song on tribal radio” endures.

“This song became the anthem for the new generation of NDN musicians. The spelling NDN became part of our lexicon that we use today,” says Secola. “Even with disparity and hardship survivors can restore our identity through artistic expression which is forever resistant. We can transcend oppression by affirming our cultural pride and rebel against oppression which causes our fragmentation. NDN Kars is about the richness of being poor.”

Inducted into the Native Music Hall of Fame in 2011, he continues to inspire. Secola’s legacy transcends borders, preserving Indigenous heritage and shaping the future of Native storytelling through song.