Last Updated on May 8, 2025
Ever stumbled upon a talent so fresh it feels like spotting a rare gem? That’s Kiawentiio Tarbell for you—a 17-year-old powerhouse (oops, wait, scratch that—18 as of 2025!) who’s making waves in Hollywood while staying true to her Indigenous heritage. Born in the tight-knit Mohawk community of Akwesasne, this actress-singer combo is breaking barriers faster than you can say “waterbender.” Let’s dive into what makes her tick, from her birthday surprises to the fam that keeps her grounded.
| Name | Kiawentiio Tarbell |
| DOB | April 28, 2006 |
| Birthplace | Akwesasne, Ontario, Canada |
| Age (2025) | 18 |
Kiawentiio Tarbell Age
Born on April 28, 2006, under the stubborn-but-loyal Taurus sign, Kiawentiio’s got that earthy drive that’s propelled her to stardom. By 2025, she’ll be celebrating her 18th birthday—yeah, you read that right! At just 5’3” (1.6 m), she’s proof big talent comes in petite packages.
Kiawentiio Tarbell Bio
Talk about a triple threat! Kiawentiio (pronounced Kee-ah-WEN-tee-oh) isn’t just the breakout star of Netflix’s Avatar: The Last Airbender—she’s also a singer-songwriter weaving her Mohawk roots into soulful tunes. Remember her chilling role as Ka’kwet in Anne with an E? That wasn’t just acting—she beat out 200 Indigenous actors for that gig and learned Mi’kmaq for authenticity. Fast-forward to 2024, and she’s Katara in Avatar, making waves alongside Gordon Cormier (Aang) and crew. Oh, and she’s dropping original music like In My Head like it’s nobody’s business. Not bad for someone who’s still technically a teen, huh?
Kiawentiio Tarbell Family
Roots matter for this rising star. Her parents, Barbara (cultural program director) and Corey Tarbell (firefighter-builder extraordinaire), raised her and two older sibs in Akwesasne—a community straddling the Canada-U.S. border. Big sis Kasennakohe, 30, is rocking mom life in New York with two kids, while bro Rasentonkwa, 26, keeps it low-key. Barbara’s dedication to Mohawk culture clearly rubbed off—Kiawentiio’s even got her name from the Kanienʼkéha language, meaning “nice morning”.
Before the Spotlight: Kiawentiio Tarbell
Pre-fame? Think school plays and family jam sessions. She cut her teeth at the Akwesasne Freedom School, where traditions like beadwork and storytelling weren’t just lessons—they were lifestyle. But here’s the kicker: she landed Anne with an E through an open casting call at 13, no fancy agent needed. Pro tip? Always check Netflix’s Twitter—you might just become a Water Tribe hero overnight!
Connected To
Hollywood’s new squad alert! While filming Avatar, Kiawentiio bonded hard with co-stars like Dallas Liu (Prince Zuko) and Ian Ousley (Sokka). And those fan shipping her with Gordon Cormier? Slow your roll, folks—they’re just pals (for now, anyway!). Her other crew? Indigenous icons like Beans director Tracey Deer, who’s basically her career fairy godmother.
So, what’s next for this Mohawk marvel? Whether she’s bending water or heartstrings with her music, one thing’s clear: Kiawentiio’s not just in the spotlight—she’s redefining it. 🎤💧