Kaniehtiio Horn, also known as Tiio Horn, was born on November 8, 1986, in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. She is of Mohawk and German descent. Her mother, Kahn-Tineta Horn, is a Mohawk political activist and former model. Kaniehtiio grew up in Kahnawake, a Mohawk reserve near Montreal, Quebec.
Horn began her acting career in the mid-2000s. She has worked in film, television, and theatre, establishing herself as a versatile performer. Her early roles were primarily in Canadian productions, gradually expanding to include international projects.
Horn’s filmography includes a diverse range of roles. She gained significant recognition for her performance in the film The Trotsky (2009). Other notable film appearances include roles in Leslie, My Name Is Evil (2009), Immortals (2011), and Possessor (2020). She also starred as Mari in the CBC comedy series Letterkenny.
In television, Horn has had recurring and leading roles in several series. She played a significant role in the Netflix series Hemlock Grove. She also starred in the Hulu series Reservation Dogs, created by Sterlin Harjo and Taika Waititi, where she portrays the character of Deer Lady. She was also featured in the Amazon series, Man in the High Castle.
Horn has received critical acclaim for her performances. Her work in Reservation Dogs has been particularly praised. While specific award wins may vary, her contributions to Indigenous representation in film and television are widely recognized. She has been nominated for and won several awards throughout her career, including a Canadian Screen Award.