Meet the Designer

My name is Destiny Warashen:tha Thomas, a proud Turtle Clan Mohawk woman from Akwesasne, Ontario.

Akwesasne is a unique Mohawk territory, intricately divided by the Canadian-American border, spanning Quebec, Ontario, and Upstate New York.

In 2016, I embarked on a journey to Montréal, QC, to pursue art education at Concordia University. My first year was marked by homesickness, drawing me back to Akwesasne frequently. Seeking a connection to home while living in the city, I turned to beading as a creative solace. By my third or fourth year, I participated in my first market during Concordia’s First People’s Week—a transformative moment that launched my artistic journey.

My passion for beadwork began in my childhood, inspired by watching my Ista (mother) delicately craft a hair brooch. Captivated by her use of vibrant red bugle beads, I eagerly followed her lead, choosing my own colors and designs. This early exposure nurtured my skills, beginning with bracelets and necklaces before I found my signature in earrings. These simple yet profound accessories speak volumes, reflecting culture, identity, and personal style.

Throughout my studies, I delved deeply into beadwork, using it as a medium to assert presence and identity in academic spaces. I encountered peers unaware that Indigenous peoples still exist, a revelation that fueled my determination to share our stories through art. My creative projects have explored profound themes: a beaded belt tracing the healing process of trauma, sculptures transforming a child’s music box to reflect Indigenous dances like the jingle dress, and paintings narrating the Mohawk creation story. These works, rooted in hours spent in Concordia’s Visual Arts building, reflect my commitment to storytelling and cultural preservation.

Beading has carried me farther than I ever imagined, and I am eager to see where this path leads next. Thank you for joining me on this incredible journey of artistry, storytelling, and self-discovery.

Niawen.

Thank you.