Ontario is represented by several Indigenous groups that spread across Canada’s largest province, namely: Ojibway, Cree Delware, Potawatomi, Oneida, Mohawk, Seneca, Cayuga, Onondaga and Tuscarora(1). Métis and diverse Indigenous nations from across Canada will also be represented in Ontario, often due to the large variety of college and university options to study.
Beginning in 2001 with formal Incorporation as a not-profit organization in 2005 Kaha:wi Dance Theatre (pronounced Ga-Ha-Wee) was founded by Artistic Director/Choreographer Mohawk Santee Smith to create greater awareness and understanding of Aboriginal cultures through professional contemporary dance productions. In the Mohawk language Kaha:wi timeless traditional name handed down through Santee Smith’s family and means to carry – which essentially describes the Kaha:wi Dance Theatres objective to connect the past, present and future by carrying culture through dance and dance related activities as a creative continuation of cultural knowledge. Kaha:wi Dance Theatres is an award winning, nationally and internationally acclaimed organization driven to be a dynamic force in Aboriginal dance in Canada and a centre for creativity, innovation, artistry and Aboriginal expression that reflects, honours and celebrates the integrity of Aboriginal culture(14). Kaha:wi Dance Theatres is currently located on Six Nations reserve and the National Ballet School of Canada in Toronto, Ontario. In keeping with the Kaha:wi Dance Theatres mission to create, present and promote Aboriginal artistic expression to diverse audiences…drawing inspiration from contemporary and traditional Aboriginal dance forms they are embarking on a trip to Japan for the first time to present the remount of their debut, Kaha:wi, a fascinating piece, beautifully expressing the philosophies of Iroquoian culture(15).
This article is a non-comprehensive and living document that provides an overview of artistic activities in the region. It will be revised as necessary as part of our ongoing process of continuous updates.
1) http://www.aboriginalcanada.com/firstnation/dirfnont.htm
14) http://www.kahawidance.org/about.html
15) http://www.yaf.or.jp/maf/en/program/daichi/index.html