On a recent flight from Toronto to Montreal, a Kanienâkehá:ka (Mohawk) flight attendant shared her language with Rihanna, teaching her how to say thank you in Kanien’kéha. Lily Kahnerahtiio Dailleboust, who hails from Kahnawà:ke, a Kanienâkehá:ka community near Montreal, presented Rihanna with a beaded lanyard. Impressed, Rihanna requested a video with Dailleboust to express her gratitude.
In a social media post by Dailleboust, Rihanna thanked her for the special gift and inquired about Dailleboust’s background and the Kanien’kéha language. Dailleboust, an employee of Air Canada, mentioned that Rihanna immediately attached the beaded lanyard to her purse and showed admiration for Indigenous people. Dailleboust explained the meaning of “Niá:wen,” a word in her language, to Rihanna, who was eager to create a video about it.
Rihanna, acknowledging Dailleboust as the first Kanienâkehá:ka person she had met, demonstrated accurate pronunciation of Kanien’kéha. The singer also offered to take photos and sign autographs while conversing with Dailleboust. Dailleboust noted that the flight, which lacked a business class section, typically hosts VIP passengers, with advance notice given for Rihanna’s presence.
Following the video’s publication on social media, Dailleboust received positive feedback from the Kahnawà:ke community and neighboring Haudenosaunee territories. Tekaronhiahkhwa Standup, owner of Traditions, where the lanyard was purchased, expressed delight in showcasing Indigenous artists’ work in her shop. Standup highlighted the enthusiasm within the community upon learning about Dailleboust’s interaction with Rihanna, emphasizing the singer’s openness and respect, which contributed to the video’s viral success.