A Vessel for Cultural Truth

Santee Smith (Kaha:wi) is a world-renowned multidisciplinary artist from the Kahnyen’kehàka (Mohawk) Nation, Turtle Clan, from Six Nations of the Grand River. As a dancer, storyteller, producer, director, and choreographer, her work acts as a profound physical and emotional manifestation of Indigenous identity.

She channels ancestral histories, cosmologies, and a deeply rooted connection to the land into powerful performances. Through her visionary storytelling, Smith revitalizes traditional knowledge and serves as a vital agent for cultural reclamation—fiercely celebrating the resilient and enduring spirit of Indigenous peoples.

Santee Smith Performance