Indigenous Artist

Danni Okemaw is Anishinaabe and Swampy Cree from Berens River First Nation and God’s River First Nation in Manitoba. Born and raised in Winnipeg, she now lives in Edmonton, Alberta (amiskwaciwâskahikan). Danni is the Community Engagement and Alumni Relations Coordinator at the Faculty of Native Studies, University of Alberta, where she organizes and supports Indigenous events across campus.

A dancer and community leader, Danni co-founded Nimihitotan, a monthly Indigenous dance workshop series that celebrates Indigenous movement, community connection, and cultural resurgence. She has also helped organize Indigenous Peoples Day and Pride celebrations at the University of Alberta, honouring Indigenous, Two-Spirit, and LGBTQ+ students by uplifting their resiliency, creativity, and joy.

Danni dances in the Old Style Jingle Dress and Woodland Strap Dress categories and is passionate about sharing how movement is medicine and a pathway to healing, language, and intergenerational connection. She is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Native Studies, examining the relationship between Indigenous dance, movement, cultural resurgence, language revitalization, and intergenerational healing. Coming from a family of language keepers in Anishinaabemowin and Ininímowin, Danni is committed to following in her parents’ footsteps and continuing their work in Indigenous language revitalization for communities across Turtle Island.

INDIGENOUS ANCESTRY

First Nations

SELF-IDENTIFICATION

Anishnaabe and Swampy Cree, Berens River First Nation, Manitoba