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Intersectional Indigenous roots blossom in the form
of a modern-day
renaissance artist.
Keilani Rose is an
award-winning filmmaker, rapidly rising DJ, and classically & culturally trained dancer.
LINEAGE
“I was born and raised in Lheidli T’enneh territory. Along my matrilineal roots, I belong to the Lheidli T’enneh nation (The People Where the Two Rivers Flow Together) and hold the intersectional Indigeneity with Kānaka Maoli (Native Hawai'ian) diaspora. I also carry Irish settler, Chinese immigrant, and Black ancestry. I am the great-granddaughter of Captain Owen Forrester Browne and a direct descendent of beloved Granny Seymour, The Matriarch of the North. It is the legacy of my ancestors, the courage of Polynesian wayfinders and the heart of Dakelh healers, that lead me on my path. I am the oldest of three siblings raised by a single mother. In resonance with the values of our mixed Indigenous heritage, she has nurtured our natural gifts and encouraged us to become the artists, storytellers, dancers, musicians, and change-makers we are today. Following this sacred path of creativity has led me through immense healing and has guided me to reconnection with my Lheidli family and culture. My work in the film industry as a writer and actor is inspired by the hope to honour the diverse voices of my BIPOC community, striving for greater representation, sovereign stories and Indigenous justice. In recognition of the responsibility that accompanies the privilege of being an able-bodied person, I stand in allyship and solidarity with the disabled and 2SLGBTQQIA+ communities through my ever-improving work towards inclusivity. My more wholesome understanding of my complex, layered identity and Indigeneity began forming as a result of my pursuit for truth in my early adult years. My story is a story of reclamation. I share this in transparency and respect as one who is returning home with deep reverence for honesty, relational accountability and cultural safety.“
GIFTS
Rose is known for the role of Miigwan on the CRAVE Television series ‘Shorsey.’ She made her film debut starring in and choreographing Within the Silence, which garnered the Festival de Cannes (2021) awards for Best Fantasy and Best Choreography. Along with features on Skymed (CBC/Paramount+), she also leads in Cody Kearsley’s (Persephone Pictures), Breathe.
Keilani is the founder and executive director of TWO RIVERS & A ROSE FILMWORKS, her production company dedicated to reclaiming space for Indigenous voices in Hollywood and mainstream media and amplifying sovereign storytelling. The company’s creative debut featured an Ohana collaboration with Rose’s younger sibling, singer & songwriter, KeAloha for her music videos, Mama’s Hands and Mahina.
An artist with true ingenuity for evolution, Rose explored beyond her dance roots and fell in love with the craft of the turntables. She borrowed a pair of Technics from her kuya, DJ Relik, set up shop on the dining table, and quickly became addicted to collecting vinyl. Now, lighting up frequencies throughout Los Angeles, Tulum, London, Vancouver and Miami, her signature sets weave stories of resilience and themes of joy, and love through the music she curates. Keilani’s diversity in genre and style is limitless. Sought after by brands such as Versace, Marc Jacobs, Topshop, and Sephora, the announcement of her first exclusive music releases and partnerships are anticipated with much excitement.
The definition of a survivor, she endured a childhood of poverty and assault, emerging from the turbulence as a voice for change. She is unstoppable, even in the face of gun violence. On July 4th, 2022, Rose was attacked and shot outside her apartment in Hollywood, CA. She took a bullet straight through the chest. Today, she continues to alchemize trauma. She is the president of the Northern Indigenous Arts Council, and as the Lheidli T’enneh ambassador for the Indigenous Research program and the Northern Promise Partnership at UNBC, she is launching an international climate and Indigenous justice campaign, LHEIDLITOO (Two Rivers Water). Working in partnership with Autumn Peltier’s team, they are advocating for the protection and reclamation of our Sacred Waters.
Rose is led by the teachings of the converging rivers. Themes of duality and balance guide her community work that flows alongside her creativity.