Leah Shenandoah

Shekólih, Ní: yúkyats Kaha:whi’tha Onyo’ta:aká: 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. Shenandoah is currently a tenure track Assistant Professor at Ontario College of Art and Design in Indigenous Visual Culture and Material Art and Design. She is an Indigenous scholar, artist, activist, and musician who recently received a Ph.D. from Cornell University in Apparel Design with minors in Indigenous Studies, Ethnography and Neuroscience. Shenandoah combines Indigenous methodologies, material culture, and activism to create a space of protection, comfort, and healing through her work. Shenandoah received a Master of Fine Art from Rochester Institute of Technology in Metals and Jewelry, Magna Cum Laude. Her M.F.A thesis, “O’whahsa’ - Protection, Comfort, and Healing,” was a multimedia experience based on the Haudenosaunee legend of Skywoman. It consisted of five textile, paint, and steel sculptures, five sets of jewelry, five outfits, and a 45-minute DJ set with 12 original songs written and performed by Shenandoah at the Hungerford Gallery in Rochester, NY (YouTube link below). Shenandoah also received a Bachelor of Science in Textiles, Cum Laude, from Syracuse University. Her original compositions have received national and regional recognition. 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