Home / Arts and Entertainment / Rihanna Learns Mohawk: "Niá:wen" Shared on Flight
Rihanna Learns Mohawk: "Niá:wen" Shared on Flight
8 Jun
Summary
- Rihanna was taught "Niá:wen" (thank you) in Kanien'kéha.
- A Kanien'kehá:ka flight attendant gifted Rihanna a beaded lanyard.
- Rihanna called the gift special and respected Indigenous people.
On a recent flight from Toronto to Montreal, pop icon Rihanna was gifted a beaded lanyard by Kanien'kehá:ka (Mohawk) flight attendant Lily Kahnerahtiio Dailleboust. Dailleboust, from Kahnawà:ke, shared that Rihanna expressed her gratitude for the special gift and her respect for Indigenous people.
Rihanna learned to say "Niá:wen," the Kanien'kéha word for thank you, from Dailleboust. The flight attendant noted that Rihanna was the first Kanien'kehá:ka person she had ever met and praised her pronunciation.
The interaction, captured on video, went viral, with many in Dailleboust's community and beyond expressing excitement and pride. The artist behind the lanyard, Tekaronhiahkhwa Standup, owner of Traditions art shop, was also pleased her shop could provide a platform for local artists and showcase their work.
