Kiawentiio

(pronounced: Gya-wuh-dee-yo)

Kiawentiio is a talented young Kanie’kehaka/Mohawk actress and a gifted singer, songwriter and accomplished artist.

Just recently announced, Kiawentiio is set to star in Netflix’s long-awaited live- action series, AVATAR: THE LAST AIRBENDER. Kiawentiio, in her dream role, will play the fierce warrior ‘Katara’, based on the beloved animated series.

A tremendously creative individual, she found herself at an open call one day for a major recurring character in the final season of the CBC/Netflix’s popular series, ANNE WITH AN E. Unknowingly competing with 235 young girls across the country, Kiawentiio won the role. Her character is an independent and resilient young girl, like ‘Anne’, who becomes a kindred spirit with the girl from Green Gables.

In the fall of 2020, Kiawentiio’s feature film BEANS, in which she stars in the title role, premiered at TIFF to rave reviews. It tells the story of a young girl, coming of age during Canada’s Oka Crisis. The film, directed by the award-winning Tracey Deer, won the Crystal Bear at Berlinale and just opened wide in theatres across North America last month.

Deer finds a conduit in newcomer Kiawentiio, whose ‘Tekehentahkhwa’ (“Beans” to her friends) is navigating the familiar perils of youth amid a blockade and armed stand-off… And as a light in the darkness, Kiawentiio’s guileless performance is a breakthrough sure to attract further attention.

Thomas Page / CNN

Kiawentiio also recurs in Peacock’s new comedy series, RUTHERFORD FALLS, starring Ed Helms. Her comedic scenes, opposite her TV dad, Michael Greyeyes are some of best of the season.

A talented singer and songwriter, she wrote and performs the captivating song “Light At The End”, which plays over the final credits of BEANS. Her first EP, In My Head, dropped in 2021.