Santee Smith. Photo Courtesy of the artist.
Decolonizing the Narrative Conversation Series is a monthly online conversation session that invites leading Indigenous Art creators to talk about their practices and processes.
Searching for process, practice, mind-set within Onkwehon:we'neha.
During this talk, multidisciplinary artist and founding Artistic Director of Kaha:wi Dance Theatre, Santee Smith will share her ongoing search for an Onkwehon:we vision and process focusing on: Kayaneren’kó:wa/The Great Good; Skén:nen/Peace and Balance; Ka’satsténhsera/Unity of Strength; Ka’nikonhrí:yo/Good Mind. Santee will offer some insight into her discoveries, how she's working, her challenges and the narratives which keep her connected to creativity and grounded into earth.
Santee Smith - Tekaronhiáhkhwa - Picking Up The Sky is a multidisciplinary artist from the Kahnyen’kehàka Nation, Six Nations of the Grand River. She trained at Canada’s National Ballet School, completed Physical Education and Psychology degrees from McMaster University and a Dance MA from York University. Santee premiered her inaugural work Kaha:wi in 2004 and later founded Kaha:wi Dance Theatre which has grown into an internationally renowned company. Her choreographic and directorial repertoire includes 14 productions and numerous short works and collaborations. She is a sought after teacher and speaker on Indigenous performance and culture. Through embodied storytelling and performance her work speaks to Indigenous identity and continuance. Smith is the 19th Chancellor of McMaster University.
This session takes place over two days:
September 15: Santee Smith does a presentation of her work.
September 16: Be part of a conversation with Santee Smith and Reneltta Arluk. This second session is the space intended for your questions and comments.
With support from:
Meet Santee Smith
Santee Smith - Tekaronhiáhkhwa - Picking Up The Sky is a multidisciplinary artist from the Kahnyen’kehàka Nation, Turtle Clan, Six Nations of the Grand River, Haldimand Treaty Territory, Ontario. Santee trained at Canada’s National Ballet School, 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 choreographic and directorial repertoire includes 14 productions and numerous short works and collaborations which tour nationally and internationally. 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 Dance for Susuriwka – willow bridge, REVEAL Indigenous Arts Award, and the inaugural Johanna Metcalf Prize for the Performing Arts. Her work Blood Tides received Outstanding Production and Outstanding Performance Ensemble in Dance at the 2019 Dora Mavor Moore Awards and 5 Dora Mavor Moore 2020 awards for her production of The Mush Hole. Santee is a sought-after teacher and speaker on the performing arts and Indigenous performance and culture. Her life and works have been the topic of TV series and films and most recently on CBC Arts - The Move II. Santee is the 19th Chancellor of McMaster University.
@kahawidance
@santeesmith
Meet Reneltta Arluk
As Banff Centre's Director of Indigenous Arts, Reneltta is focused on fostering Indigenous culture through storytelling, and she's doing it by building a community that supports Indigenous artists, helping them discover their voice and turn their ideas into reality.
Reneltta Arluk, Director of Indigenous Arts, Banff Centre.
Photo by Nahanni MacKay.