Since 1996, she began creating her own choreography and developing a movement style that reflects who she is as an Indigenous artist. She presented the premiere of Kaha:wi 2004 at Premiere Dance Theatre in Toronto, and continues to create and present cutting edge contemporary Aboriginal dance works. In 2006, Kaha:wi Dance Theatre produced Living Ritual: World Indigenous Dance Festival, Canada’s inaugural dance festival dedicated Indigenous peoples’ dance of Canada and the world.

Ms. Sakai is active in spreading awareness about Ainu people and culture, while sharing her life story through various performances, lectures, workshops and other forums throughout Japan. In 2006, she founded Ainu Rebels, a group of emerging Ainu artists from Tokyo and its surrounding region, and currently serves as the group’s leader.

Born on the Blackfeet Reservation in Montana, Daystar is of Pembina Chippewa ancestry on her mother’s side. She holds a Master’s Degree in dance from the University of Utah. Ms. Jones has pioneered the concept of “native modern dance” throughout the United States over the past 30 years. She currently teaches Indigenous Contemporary Dance and related performing arts courses at Trent University, Ontario and remains as active dancer, choreographer, teacher, and writer.