AANII • BOOZHOO • HELLO

My name is Mariah Meawasige and I run a small freelance design practice named Makoose.

I am Ojibwe-Anishinaabe (Bear Clan, Serpent River First Nation) and on my father’s side, and Polish and Scottish on my mother’s. I was born and raised along the northern shores of Lake Huron, surrounded by community and birch trees; my first loves and biggest sources of inspiration.

The work I create is within the worlds of graphic design and illustration but is most at home within the field of identity design. My practice is anchored in a profound appreciation for curiosity, storytelling, land, and Indigenous survivance. The process I have built places a particular emphasis on reciprocity, adaptability, and creating space for meaningful dialogue.

  • Every aspect of my work is deeply rooted in a profound love for storytelling, land, and the enduring strength of Indigenous survivance. I emphasize community, process, and impact, ensuring that my work is always anchored in these core values.

  • I approach every interaction with care and intention, recognizing that successful design emerges from trust and active listening. The foundation of my process is honest dialogue, clear expectations, and mutual understanding, fostering a collaborative environment.

  • My design approach is built on co-creation, continuous learning, and adaptability. Each project evolves through ongoing dialogue with both the spirit of the work and its shifting needs, ensuring a dynamic and responsive process.

"All flourishing is mutual.
Soil, fungus, tree, squirrel, boy—
all are the beneficiaries of reciprocity."

Robin Wall Kimmerer