SANTEESMITHMASTERCLASS

About the Artists

Santee Smith – Tekaronhiáhkhwa
Santee Smith is a multidisciplinary artist, award-winning producer and Managing Artistic Director of Kaha:wi Dance Theatre. She is from the Kahnyen’kehàka Nation, Turtle Clan, Six Nations of the Grand River, Ontario, Canada. Her interest is activating creativity through performance conceived and devised from an Indigenous lens and process. 
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 self-produced her debut work Kaha:wi 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 including more than 13 full scale productions and more than 12 short works. Her independent commissions include collaborations with National Arts Centre Orchestra, Canadian Opera Company, North American Indigenous Games, Stratford Festival, National Film Board of Canada among others. Her life and works have been the topic of TV series and films including Kaha:wi – Cycle of Life. Santee is a sought after speaker on the performing arts, Indigenous performance and culture. She was appointed as the new Chancellor of McMaster University, ranked one of Canada’s leading educational institutions.
.