Schon Duncan, born on April 28th, 1989, was raised in the heart of Stilwell, Oklahoma, where their early years were shaped by the language work provided by esteemed elders and teachers. As a proud citizen of the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians, Duncan's cultural heritage plays a significant role in their life and work.
Duncan's academic journey culminated in their graduation from Northeastern State University in 2014. However, it was their completion of the Cherokee Language Master Apprentice Program in 2019 that truly solidified their dedication to preserving and promoting their native language.
In 2023, Duncan made a groundbreaking impact in the world of documentary filmmaking with the release of their feature-length film, ᏓᏗᏬᏂᏏ (We Will Speak). This monumental achievement serves as a testament to their unwavering commitment to sharing the stories and experiences of their people.
Today, Schon Duncan continues to utilize their art as a powerful tool to assert the importance and pressing need for the preservation of their people's culture and language. Through their work, they strive to inspire a new generation of Cherokee youth to embrace and celebrate their rich cultural heritage.
