She:kon Friends,

My name is Destiny Thomas, and I am a Mohawk woman from Akwesasne. I graduated from Concordia University in Montreal, QC, with a Bachelor of Fine Arts, majoring in Art Education.

While studying at Concordia, I began my small business, Destiny Thomas Designs, as a way to ease my homesickness and stay connected to my roots while living away from home. What started as a personal creative outlet soon became a bridge between my heart and my community—allowing me to carry the spirit of Akwesasne with me wherever I go. My business continues to evolve alongside me, growing and shifting as I take on new life changes and experiences. My work is inspired by the world around me: textiles, people, conversations, books, and the natural world all influence my creative process. Many of my pieces are named after people I know, those I’ve met briefly, or names that simply resonate with the energy of the artwork itself.

As my artistic journey continues to grow, so too has my connection to my community. Since July 2025, I have been working as a home health aide, a role that allows me to directly and positively impact the elders in Akwesasne, NY. This work has deepened my sense of compassion and gratitude, teaching me the importance of care, patience, and listening. Supporting our elders has become another form of art for me—one grounded in love, respect, and the preservation of stories and wisdom.

I am honored to be a recipient of the Akwesasne Future Leaders Award, which recognizes my dedication to uplifting and empowering my community. One of my greatest passions is creating spaces for youth to explore art through a therapeutic and culturally grounded approach—through painting, beading, jewelry making, and other creative practices. Moving forward, I hope to continue developing workshops in Akwesasne that center on healing, Indigenous pride, and self-identity, while nurturing the next generation of artists and dreamers.

This business has come into fruition thanks to the warm encouragement of Bo Kim (Department Assistant of Concordia University’s Otsenhákta Student Centre) and Vicki Boldo (Director of Indigenous Initiatives and Intercultural Relations at Bishop's University). They knew that I was a beader and encouraged me to have my very first vendor experience at the First Voices event in 2020. Since then, I have been constantly evolving, networking, and collaborating. I want to thank my Day 1’s, who carry my beadwork all around the world—from across Turtle Island to France, New Zealand, Ireland, and everywhere beyond and in between. Niawenko:wa (Thank you so much) for all of your support. And if you’re new to my cult of whimsical baddies, Wa’tkonnonhwerá:ton (Welcome) and happy shopping!