Six Nations artist appointed to Order of Canada

Six Nations artist and McMaster University Chancellor Santee Smith has been appointed to the Order of Canada.

Her appointment in recognition of her exceptional contributions in performance and dance was announced by Governor General Mary Simon on June 30. One of Canada’s highest civilian honours, the Order of Canada recognizes the achievements and dedication of people in their respective fields.

“It’s a great honor to be a member of the Order of Canada and to receive this incredible recognition for my artistic contribution,” Smith said in a social media post. “My past has led me from classical ballet to contemporary Indigenous performance from Six Nations to around the world and back to my ancestral homelands in upper state New York.

“I’ve gone from a kid playing in my grandmother’s clay, to working in my parent’s pottery studio to creating large scale ceramic sculptures and performances in clay.

Santee said that for her, Indigenous performance is Indigenous knowledge in action.

“My life experience is a wonderful dance,” Smith said. “With passion, I will continue to share my gifts and cultivate the next generation of artists through my inter generational work.”

Smith said she is “grateful for the support of ancestors, family, teachers, collaborators, audiences and funders who have fostered (her) creativity.”

McMaster President and Vice-Chancellor David Farrar congratulated Smith on behalf of the university.

“Santee is an exceptional creative force whose extraordinary work to explore and share Indigenous identity and culture through performance, art and advocacy has had a tremendous impact on our country,” Farrar said. “As Chancellor, she has also been instrumental in advancing understanding of Indigenous peoples and ways of knowing on our campus, and I am truly delighted she is being recognized in this way.”

A graduate of McMaster in physical education and psychology, Smith was installed as chancellor in 2019.

Smith is the artistic director of Kaha:wi Dance Theatre.

The Governor General announced 85 new appointments to the Order of Canada including three companions, 22 officers and 60 members on Friday. One appointment was a promotion within the order. More than 7,800 people who have helped shape Canada have been named to the Order since it was created in 1967.

“Today, we recognize individuals who have made an extraordinary contribution to our society. A group of individuals who, through dedication and perseverance—make our communities and our country better every day.,” Simon said in a statement. “At the same time, we must also acknowledge that work remains to ensure that Canadian honors better reflect the full diversity of our country.

“Nominations continue to fall short of representing the excellence achieved by women, Francophones, persons with disabilities, and people from culturally diverse backgrounds.”

Simon, in her statement, said Canada wants to learn more about the contributions from Indigenous peoples, Black and 2SLGTBQIA+ communities, to truly honor the richness of our country.

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