Tekaronhiáhkhwa Santee Smith

Santee is a multidisciplinary artist from the Kahnyen’kehàka Nation, Turtle Clan, Six Nations of the Grand River. 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 14 productions and numerous short works which tour nationally and internationally. She is the recipient of numerous awards most recently the inaugural Johanna Metcalf Prize for the Performing Arts; Outstanding Production and Outstanding Performance Ensemble in Dance at the 2019 for Blood Tides; and her production The Mush Hole received five Dora Mavor Moore awards in 2020. Santee is a sought-after teacher and speaker on the performing arts and Indigenous performance and culture. Smith is the 19th Chancellor of McMaster University. 
@santeesmith