JAN. 2, 2024
The Marvel Cinematic Universe and Akwesasne were shook last week when a Mohawk character emerged from its animated series, “What If …?”
The groundbreaking sixth episode of season 2 introduces Kahhori, the MCUs’ first original superhero, to the multiverse. She is a young Mohawk woman on a quest to discover her power after the Tesseract falls to Earth and lands within the sovereign Haudenosaunee Confederacy before the colonization of America.
“What If … Kahhori Reshaped the World?” imagines events that ultimately lead to the defeat of European colonizers. The storyline was informed by the Akwesasne region and developed in close collaboration with Akwesasró:non, including language expert Cecelia King and author Doug George, to ensure cultural authenticity. Kahnawa:ke’s Devery Jacobs (Reservation Dogs) and Jeremy White voice Kahhori and Atahraks; Kiawentiio Tarbell (Beans, Avatar: The Last Airbender) of Akwesasne is Wáhta. The episode takes place entirely in Kanien’kéha, and features songs by Kontiwennenhá:wi–Akwesasne Women Singers.
Inspired by Kahhori’s powers and the visual representation of our language and culture were Akwesasne artists Victoria Ransom, Sosakete Perkins, Bruce Boots, Niiostosera:ah Thompson and Yvette Cook White. Check out their amazing creations!
Kahhori appears in S2 E6 and E9 of “What If…” on Disney+.
These notable artists and dozens more participated in the Akwesasne Art Market & Juried Art Show last summer. Save the date for this year’s celebration of Mohawk art and culture on Saturday, July 6, 2024! Artists: 1. Sosakete Perkins; 2. Bruce Boots; 3. Victoria Ransom; 4. Niiostoseraah Thompson; 5. Yvette Cook White
