Leith Mahkewa's upcoming gig as Western University's Indigenous artist-in-residence will be a homecoming.
The master beadwork artist has roots in the Oneida Nation of the Thames and family in the area. She also attended Brescia University College.
Mahkewa is currently based in Kanien'kehá:ka (Mohawk) Territory of Kahnawake (Quebec) where she lives with her husband and four children. She said the return to the London area is exciting.
"It felt like the right time in my life to take a chance and commit myself to a new endeavour," she said.
After graduating university, Mahkewa immersed herself in learning the Mohawk language (Kanien'kéha) and has recently been working at an education center in Quebec, as a Kanien'kéha Teacher Coach.
Before starting her position in September, Mahkewa will once again participate in the prestigious Santa Fe Indian Market which has featured thousands of Indigenous artists for over a century. Mahkewa has participated since 2014 and it gives her the opportunity to showcase her unique style of beadwork.
"I created a niche unique to my Oneida/Chippewa/Hopi/Tewa family lineage. My personal style often juxtaposes the geometric shapes found in my Hopi family pottery patterns, and Haudenosaunee–inspired floral designs," she said. "The complexity of both cultures and design styles, when combined and manipulated, creates a one-of-a-kind form of beadwork."
Western's Indigenous artist-in-residence role started in 2021. It's based on the university's commitment to anti-racism and the calls to action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. The position includes access to studio space, equipment, staff support and other resources at Western.
"The department of visual arts is thrilled to welcome Leith Mahkewa as the 2023-2024 Indigenous artist-in-residence," said Alena Robin, department chair and associate professor of art history at the department of visual arts.
"Her project proposal for the residency is looking at engaging the Oneida community to create a cradleboard using the bead technique," Robin added.
Mahkewa said she is excited to showcase the talent of other local artists in the area and learn from them as well. She plans to find ways to reach out to Indigenous students in the London region and on campus, and collaborate on art projects that will culminate in a final exhibition.
That final exhibition is planned for May at Western's ArtLab.
