In the fall of 1996, a group of women and girls from Ahkwesahsne, gathered to sing what is known as Onhwentsiakehkha (Of the Earth) Songs, also known as social dance songs of the Longhouse people. Traditionally, men and boys sang these songs at the Longhouse social dances, and this holds true today.  The songs were also being sung at the Ahkwesahsne Freedom School as part of their traditional teachings and there, both boys and girls sang together.  This is when a group of women and girls, mothers and daughters, aunties and nieces, decided they would gather and sing the songs too.

Kontiwennenha:wi (Goon dee wa na hά wee), the women who carry words, create and sing verses for the New Women’s Dance.  Every Nation of the Rotinonhsonni (People of the Longhouse), create verses of the New Women’s Dance, to share in the Spring and Fall.  We incorporate the Kanienkeha language in our verses to ensure that the Kanienkeha (our language) will survive.  Many of the verses for the Women’s Dance, honors the relationships we have with the natural world and teachings.  Besides our Women’s Dance verses, Theresa ‘Bear’ Fox shares songs that she’s written, which are filled with messages that every audience can relate to. 

We enjoy sharing who we are with the audience.  Bear is a wonderful song writer and she’s been recognized for her songs at the Native American Music Awards. When we are in concert, you’ll be treated to Bear’s songs and Women’s Dance verses created by Bear, Iawentas and Tekonwakwenni.  When we have the opportunity to sing for smaller groups in a spacious area  we invite our audience to join in on Social Dances.  These dances are a way for people to have fun and make friends.  We will explain the meaning of the dance and we invite people to join the circle.  For our full performance, we like to alternate a dance and then Bear will share one of her songs.