Kahsennenhawe Sky-Deer  
Former Grand Chief of Kahnawà:ke, CEO and President at Sky-Deer Consulting

Thanksgiving Address
Ohén:ton Karihwatéhkwen

Sessions Kahsennenhawe is participating in: 

Kahsennenhawe Sky-Deer (she/her) is the former Grand Chief of the Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke. She made “herstory” in 2021, when she was the first woman who also identifies as 2SLGBTQ+ to ever be elected to the position. Prior to that she served her community as a Council Chief for twelve consecutive years in four mandates.

During her tenure as Grand Chief, she signed a historic deal with Hydro Quebec for a partnership to bring clean renewable electricity to New York City. (CHPE/Hertel Line). She was also a guest of the President of Mexico at the 500 years of Indigenous Resistance Commemoration in 2021. Her biggest challenge and commitment is being the chairperson of a Capital Campaign to raise funds for a 56 million dollar building for Language, Culture, Tourism and a museum.

Sky-Deer has been a strong voice for First Nations rights to self determination, protection of inherent rights and jurisdiction, border crossing, citizenship/membership and so much more.  In July 2024, she launched her own business called Sky-Deer Consulting and in January 2025 she became the Vice President of Dable Advisory and Consulting Services in Kahnawà:ke. Through these roles she continues to work in advancing and improving the realities faced by Indigenous communities.

Sky-Deer has always been a trailblazer as she was a starting quarterback in the inaugural season of women’s professional tackle football in 2000, playing for 6 seasons in Florida before going back to school and graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of Central Florida. She was an honored with the United Natives Athlete of the Year Award during the Super Bowl Week in New Orleans in February 2025 for trailblazing in the sport and in leadership.

She received the King Charles III Coronation Medal of Honor in December 2024 for Commerce, Industry and Economy. Sky-Deer continues to motivate and inspire young girls, women, 2SLGBTQ+ individuals that you can shatter glass ceilings and achieve your dreams by being your true and authentic self. Sky-Deer currently sits on the President’s Advisory at Concordia University,  is a water protector of the Great Lakes on the Biignaagami Circle and continues to do public speaking engagements and panels across various sectors to educate and inspire the next generation of leaders.