Kontiwennenhawi Performs at California Worldfest

The California Worldfest is a four-day music festival that celebrates music of the world. Groups from as far away as Nigeria, Ethiopia, Peru and India came to share music and culture with the people of California.

For the second year in a row, Kontiwennenhawi Akwesasne Women Singers were invited to be a part of the California Worldfest. Kontiwennenhawi, along with members of the Tsi Akim nation and a women’s drum group opened the festival, which took place on July 12-15.

Throughout the festival, the Tsi Akim Maidu, along with other Native people, hosted a Native People’s village. At this village, Kontiwennenhawi, Wakan Waci Blindman, Loping Wolf flutists, Danza Xinachtli and a family drum performed in between performances on the main stage. Along with these “tweeners,” there were also performances on two of the smaller stages, as well as healing workshops that took place in what is known as the Lath House.

When they weren’t performing, Kontiwennenhawi visited with friends they had met at the Worldfest the year before. Mignon Geli, who graciously invited the singers to stay at her home, met Bear Fox a couple years before when she was invited to perform at the Indigenous Peoples Day. They also met up with fellow Kanienkehaka who have made California their home. Rowen White, along with her kids Maizie and Moss, sang with Kontiwennenhawi.

Kontiwennenhawi enjoyed their time in California singing, dancing, sharing stories and visiting with old friends. They were invited back to the West coast to attend the Indigenous Peoples Day in October.