Sakoieta' - comes originally from Upper New York State and is of Mohawk/ Seneca / German ancestry. His clan is the wolf. His name, Sakoieta' (pronounced sah go yeht AH') in the Mohawk language translates into english as "He Wakes Them Up Early". Sakoieta' resides in Grand River Six Nations Iroquois Territory, on the Six Nations Reserve (where all of our children have good teeth....oops, sorry that is Mayberry, RFD.) in Ontario, Canada with his wife, Tewutahawiht Dawn Antone, and daughter, Kaluyahawi, Turtle Clan members of the Oneida of the Thames band of Iroquois Indians. Together they have six children and eighteen grandchildren.

 

Sakoieta' has worked tirelessly, even at a young age, to reclaim the culture that was taken away from his family many years ago, much of it during his grandmothers time, when through her adoption, she was forbidden to have anything to do with "Indian things". Sakoieta' works as the Men's Program Counselor for Ganohkwa'sra Family Assault Support Services. He is also a Native Elder with the Provincial Department of Justice and Corrections Services of Canada. Sakoieta' is a traditionally trained counselor, educator, and ritualist as well as being an accomplished flute player and maker, artist, singer, dancer, craftsperson and performer. Sakoieta's work has taken him all across the United States and Canada and is focused on living and teaching a lifestyle, that is drug, alcohol, substance, gambling free and devoted to family life, the pursuit of peace and recognizing the strength of prayer and following the traditional Kanienkehaka (Mohawk) lifestyle. His work is also focused on keeping alive the rich cultural heritage of the Aboriginal people of Native North America (Turtle Island) and especially the culture and heritage of the (Iroquois) Rotinonsionni Longhouse People. Sakoieta’ is available for solo or ensemble concerts and residencies.

 

Sakoieta’s performances, which may be tailored in length from 30 to 90 minutes, present traditional flute, song, water drum, rattle, historical and cultural narratives, audience participation and dance. He is also a fully qualified Native American Flute Instructor. A concert by Sakoieta’ consists of Flute, vocals, water drum, rattles, interspersed with informative stories of Mohawk culture, language, humor, teachings, and dance. With the Iroquois Social Dances, especially the Feather Pick Up Dance, Standing Quiver Dance, Round Dance, Alligator Dance, Rabbit Dance, Robin Dance and the Unity Stomp Dance, the audience gets to participate and join Sakoieta’ on stage as they learn how not only to do these dances but also the meanings and teachings behind each dance. When Sakoieta’ is accompanied by his wife and daughter, Tewutahawiht and Kaluyahawi of the Oneida Nation-Turtle Clan, different social dances of the Iroquois are demonstrated and performed including the Iroquois Smoke Dance. Music is “live”, performed by Tewutahawiht, Kaluyahawi and Sakoieta’, or by Sakoieta’, himself.

 

Sakoieta' and the Golden Eagle F# High Spirits Flute made by Odell Borg at High Spirit Flutes. This flute is one of the best flutes I have played to date, along with all the flutes made by Odell. The sound is unbelieveable and looks are the best. These are truly beautiful instruments and gifts from the Creator. Sakoieta' - Flute Player-Maker-Instructor, Singer, Dancer, Educator, Artist, Craftsperson, Performer, Spiritual Counselor, Speaker, Gardener, Husband, Father and Grandfather, and all around nice guy. No wonder I'm always so busy, especially with the being a nice guy part. Whew!