About us
Rooted in Tradition. Alive in Every Step.
Our story
Our Story
CreeAtive was born from a simple conviction: that Native American heritage is not a relic of the past — it is a living, breathing expression of identity, spirituality, and community. Founded by Denni (Otter) Oliver (Cree/Dakota) of White Bear First Nation, Saskatchewan, Canada, and His wife, Dakota Shaw (Sicangu Lakota) of Rosebud, SD, they set out to share the culture, knowledge, and lived experiences of Indigenous peoples today.
Over the years, we have performed at hundreds of schools, cultural festivals, and performing arts venues across the country. Each performance is both a celebration and an education — an invitation for audiences to witness the depth and diversity of Native American cultural traditions.
We believe that cultural understanding begins with direct experience. When a child watches a Fancy Dance for the first time, or hears the drum resonate through a gymnasium, something shifts. That moment of connection is what drives everything we do.
Nations represented
Tribal Affiliations & Nations Represented
CreeAtive brings together dancers from multiple Indigenous nations, honoring the distinct traditions, regalia, and dance styles of each. We are proud to represent and celebrate the diversity within Native American and Indigenous cultures. We are committed to cultural authenticity through respect for Tribal Citizenship, First Nations Affiliations, documented heritage, and the cultural knowledge of each performer. Our mission is to preserve the integrity of Indigenous representation while creating meaningful opportunities for Indigenous people to share their cultures, traditions, and knowledge.
Sicangu Lakota
Great Plains
Hopi Tribe
Southwest
Eastern Band of Cherokee
Southeast
Dakota / Plains Cree
Great Plains
Prairie Band of Potawatomi
Great Plains
Muscogee Creek
Southeast
Interested in bringing CreeAtive to your event?
We work with festivals, schools, and cultural organizations of all sizes.