A Two-Spirit Mohawk Artist’s Connection to Ancestral Creativity
- kitthomasart
- Jun 18
- 2 min read
Updated: 7 days ago
Shé:kon Sewakwé:kon, Rawkstars, (hello)
This week I spoke to St Regis Mohawk Tribal Council meeting held on June 13th, 2026 about supporting 2SLGBTQ+ community members and the possibility of an official Pride flag raising in Akwesasne in June 2027.
Honestly, I was nervous.
But this Two-Spirit spoke anyway. The support, conversations, and feedback reminded me that our community is ready for these discussions.
Later that day, I stopped by the Seniors Center and saw the Pride flag flying, something I didn’t even know had happened. I stood there soaking it all in.
That flag represented two things: our community is moving forward and doing the work, even without waiting for council approval. These conversations matter because they matter to our community members.
And the location felt especially meaningful. The Seniors Center, where my grandmother's helped build the foundation and legacy we continue to carry today.
I thought about my grandmother Lois Thomas and great-grandmother Catherine Casey Thomas, women who dedicated their lives to supporting community members, creating connection, and helping people feel cared for and included.
The work of my matriarchs looked different than mine, but the intention feels familiar. Whether through elder care, education, advocacy, art, or creating space for difficult conversations, it's all community work. I used to think I was creating alone. Looking back, I realize I was carrying pieces of the artists who came before me.
"It's all about showing up for people."
Sometimes a flag is more than a symbol. It's a reminder that visibility, belonging, and community ma Creating Sweetgrass Braid while reconnecting with my ancestral creativity.
Niá:wen - thank you Thank you to the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe Senior Center and Jill Benedict for listening to the voices of our 2SLGBTQ+ community and for being thoughtful advocates. Your support and commitment to inclusion help create meaningful and lasting change.
My Two-Spirit artist storytelling practice continues to evolve through both my writing and mixed media artwork
As I wrote this reflection on reconnecting with my ancestral creativity, I was also creating Sweetgrass Braid. The artwork became part of this journey, carrying the same themes of healing, remembrance, and cultural connection that inspired this blog.
If this story resonates with you, Sweetgrass Braid is now available as an original artwork through my website.
Sweetgrass Braid, an original mixed media artwork inspired by ancestral creativity, healing, and the Sweetgrass Braid, an original mixed media artwork inspired by ancestral creativity, healing, and the
If you'd like to follow my creative journey, receive new blog posts, behind the scenes studio updates, and first access to new artwork, subscribe to my newsletter and become part of the community.
Comments