Shekólih, Ní: yúkyats Kaha:whi’tha Onyo’ta:aká: Tsi' Tkana'lóhale' teknakéhle’ thahyu:ní niwaki’taló:t^ Leah Shenandoah M.F.A, B.S., is a Wolf Clan Member of the Onyo’ta:aká: – Oneida Nation of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy. She is an Indigenous artist, activist, musician and scholar as well as an Apparel Design Ph.D. Candidate at Cornell University with minors in: Indigenous studies, neuroscience, and ethnography. Shenandoah combines Indigenous methodologies, material culture and activism to create a space of protection, comfort and healing through her work. She is the Grandaughter of the late Onyo’ta:aká: thahyu:ní Oneida Wolf Clan Mother, Maisie Shenandoah and the late GRAMMY winner, Joanne Shenandoah who were both powerful Matriarchs that advocated for their people's land, culture and traditional teachings through the arts.
Shenandoah is currently finishing her dissertation research titled, “Regalia: Resurgence and Resistance - Indigenous Fashion & Activism” or RRRIFA. The purpose of this ethnographic qualitative research project is to gather data on decolonizing Haudenosaunee apparel and potentially create a new garment designed by the participants. After graduation, Shenandoah plans to continue singing, teaching, making art and creating safe spaces by integrating creativity and ancestral teachings. Shenandoah was recently the Assistant Professor of Indigenous Visual Culture and Faculty of Design at OCAD University in Toronto Canada.
"During my time at Cornell, I found strength and solace in my fellow AIISP cohort. I do not think I would have made it this far without their support. AIISP deserves their own academic building on campus to honor the Gayogo̱hó꞉nǫˀ ancestors and land it currently resides. The knowledge I gained through my mentors and friends from AIISP forever transformed and empowered me as an Onyo’ta:aká: Mother, artist and scholar. Our sacred duties as human beings is to take care of Yukhi'nu:lhá our Mother Earth and each other."
Recent Research
Shenandoah’s debut album, “Spectra” with producer JJ Boogie from Arrested Development, received a Native American Music Award for “Best Debut Album” and “Best Alternative Album” from the Syracuse Area Music Awards. Shenandoah’s art and jewelry have won awards from: Schemitzun Pow Wow, Eiteljorg Indian Market, & Ridgefield Fine Art Market. Her work has also been exhibited in national museums and exhibitions such as the “Changing Hands Exhibit” by the Museum of Art and Design, The McMichael Canadian Art Collection, Syracuse University Art Museum, Iroquois Museum, Longyear Museum, Fenimore Art Museum, National Museum of the American Indian, Bausch and Lomb Gallery, Institute of American Indian Art Museum of Contemporary Native Arts, Memorial Art Gallery, Lemoyne Art Gallery, Everson Museum of Art, Bevier Gallery, and the Alan Houzer Art Park. Shenandoah’s jewelry was showcased at the “Go Native Arts” fashion show with indigenous fashion designers Patricia Michaels and Dorothy Grant.
