Graduate designs logo for college’s Indigenous centre
When Mohawk College unveiled the new logo for its Centre for Indigenous Relations, Knowledge and Learning (CIRKL), it was more than a new visual element for the college, it was also a milestone for Mohawk College alumni and artist Lacey King-Smith.
Lacey has been drawing for as long as they can remember. “I was that one art kid who always got the awards at the end of the year, like ‘Most Improved Artist’ or ‘Best Artist.’ I was always winning something—colouring contests, school calendars. That kind of thing.”
They first pursued graphic design at another college but found the experience disheartening. “I didn’t love the constant competition,” Lacey said. “I just love doing my own thing, creating my own art on my own terms.”
It was after enrolling in Mohawk College’s Early Childhood Education program that their passion for art was reignited. “I was drawing for the kids, and they’d say, ‘Lacey, this is so good!’” they recalled. “It was the kids who really helped.”
For Lacey, art is inseparable from their identity, with deep influences from nature. “I love natural colours. I try to use as much as I can in my art. My heritage—being a First Nations Two-Spirited person—it just comes naturally. Like breathing.”
This authenticity is reflected not only in their artistic style but in the community spaces they gravitated toward as a student. During their time at Mohawk, they spent many hours in the Indigenous Student Services space at the Fennell campus. “I’d just go in and chat with the staff. It was a nice place to just be.”
Seeing their art now showcased by their alma mater is a point of pride. “I feel honoured to be a part of this,” Lacey said.
The opportunity to design the CIRKL logo came unexpectedly. “I saw something on Facebook, and people were tagging me saying, ‘Lacey, you should do this!’ So, I submitted some of my pieces and I got an email right away.”
The design concept—featuring a strawberry plant— holds significance for many Indigenous communities. Strawberry, also known as ode’min or “heart berry” in the Ojibwe language (Anishnaabemowin) is a medicine plant that is a first food in spring and reminds us of renewal and growth during the change of season. Strawberry plant is used traditionally as a food, medicine tea and in ceremonies. It carries many teachings about how we are to live and cooperate. The berry reminds us to accept the bitter with the sweet in life and know that both are part of all life.
The strawberry carries great significance for the Haudenosaunee as well. According to the Creation Story, Skywoman carried the strawberry plant when she fell from the Skyworld onto the turtle’s back. It was one of the first plants that grew here. The strawberry is considered to be the leader of all fruits. Strawberries announce the beginning of the summer season, and ceremonies are held to provide gratitude for their return. Similarly, CIRKL brings new learning and growth to the college by building connections to Indigenous knowledge and teachings within all areas of our learning community.
Not only will Lacey’s artwork be featured at the college going forward, but they’ve also been part of other art projects in the region. One example is at TELUS’s corporate office in Toronto. “[One of the floors] has a bunch of Indigenous artists from across Canada. It was really cool to be a part of that,” they said.
Looking ahead, Lacey hopes to create a book series in Anishinaabemowin. “I want to try to [create] Ojibwe children’s books,” they said. “That’s a future goal for sure.”
While they’re slowly building their online following, Lacey is more focused on staying true to their values. “Take your time,” they advise other aspiring artists. “You’re not going to get there right away. I’m in my 30s, and I’m just hitting it. Don’t expect it to happen too fast. Don’t compare yourself to others. Just do what you want to do and bring your own voice.”
From colouring contests to community art installations, Lacey's story is one of creativity, resilience, and identity. We can’t wait to see where it take them next and we’re honoured to be part of their journey.