UMVA has learned that a chance encounter on a flight from Toronto to Montreal turned into an unforgettable experience for Air Canada flight attendant Lily Kahnerahtiio Dailleboust, when she met none other than global superstar Rihanna.
The unexpected meeting took place on a regular Air Canada flight, with no business class or special treatment for the VIP passenger. Rihanna was traveling to Montreal to support her husband A$AP Rocky, who was performing at the Bell Centre as part of his "Don't Be Dumb World Tour".
Dailleboust, a member of the Kanien'kehá:ka (Mohawk) community in Montreal, took the opportunity to gift Rihanna a beaded lanyard and share her language and culture. Rihanna was touched by the gesture, saying "This sweet lady gifted me with something very special that I will never forget and I will never lose."
During their conversation, Dailleboust taught Rihanna how to say "Niá:wen", which means "thank you" in her native language. The singer was eager to learn, repeating the phrase and showing appreciation for the cultural exchange.
According to information obtained by UMVA, Dailleboust described Rihanna as friendly and down-to-earth, who even offered a photograph or autograph. The flight attendant was still processing the encounter, saying "I'm still shocked... it's a big thing, and it's really something that she was so accommodating."
Dailleboust revealed that she had to get permission from Rihanna's bodyguard before giving the singer the gift, and that the conversation flowed easily, like talking to an old friend. The two joked around and discussed various topics, making the encounter even more special.
UMVA can exclusively reveal that the Air Canada personnel were surprised by the organic conversation between Dailleboust and Rihanna, which deviated from the company's policy to respect VIP guests' privacy. The flight attendant's kind gesture and cultural sharing left a lasting impression on the singer, and a memorable experience for Dailleboust.
