Tekaronhiáhkhwa / Picking Up The Sky

Artistic Direction/Concept/Performer

Santee is a multidisciplinary artist from the Kahnyen’kehàka Nation, Turtle Clan, Six Nations of the Grand River, Haldimand Treaty Territory, Ontario, Turtle Island (Canada). Santee trained at Canada’s National Ballet School and completed Physical Education and Psychology degrees from McMaster University and a M.A. in Dance from York University. Santee premiered her debut work Kaha:wi - a family creation story in 2004 and one year later founded Kaha:wi Dance Theatre which has grown into an internationally renowned company. Santee’s artistic work speaks about identity and Indigenous narratives. Her body of work includes 13 productions and over 14 short works. Her commissions include choreography for the National Arts Centre Orchestra, Canadian Opera Company, North American Indigenous Games, among others. She is the recipient of the K.M. Hunter Award; Victor Martyn Lynch-Staunton Award; John Hobday Award; Hamilton Music Award for Kaha:wi; Dora Mavor Moore Award for Outstanding Choreography in the Dance for Susuriwka – willow bridge and a REVEAL Indigenous Arts Award. Santee is a sought after teacher and speaker on the performing arts, Indigenous performance and culture, most recently at Citadel Theatre/Training Program Banff Centre for Arts & Creativity and the Stratford Festival. Her life and works have been the topic of TV series and films aired on CBC, NFB, APTN and PBS (US). Santee was recently appointed to the role of Chancellor of McMaster University.

Her company Kaha:wi Dance Theatre is based on Six Nations of the Grand River Territory and Toronto ON. www.kahawidance.org

Kaha:wi Dance Theatre acknowledges all of creation within the Dish with One Spoon Treaty territory. Our offices are located on the ancestral territory of the Onkwehon:we, Anishanbee and Huron-Wendat. Our Six Nations office is also located on Haldimand Treaty Territory.

Facebook: @kahawidance

Insta: @kahawidance

@Santee Smith

Cover Photo by: Andy Moro