International music superstar Rihanna received a memorable gift during a recent flight between Toronto and Montreal, thanks to a flight attendant from Kahnawake.
While travelling from Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport to Montréal–Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport, the Grammy Award-winning singer was presented with a handmade beaded lanyard by Lily Kahnerahtiio Dailleboust, a flight attendant from the Kanien’kehá (Mohawk) community of Kahnawake on Montreal’s South Shore.
A post shared by Lily Kahnerahtiio Dailleboust (@mohawkflightattendant)
A post shared by Lily Kahnerahtiio Dailleboust (@mohawkflightattendant)
Dailleboust also took the opportunity to share aspects of Kanienʼkéha, the Mohawk language, giving Rihanna a brief lesson during the flight.
Dailleboust later shared photos and videos of the encounter on social media.
The singer was travelling to Montreal to attend a performance by her husband, A$AP Rocky.
According to Dailleboust, Rihanna was appreciative of the thoughtful gift and interested in learning about Mohawk culture and language. The interaction left a lasting impression on both women, creating a unique cultural exchange at 30,000 feet.
Rihanna described the experience as one she would “never forget,” highlighting the significance of the unexpected connection during her journey.