Honouring National Indigenous Peoples Day: A Q&A with Doodle Artist Nico Williams
Today, Google’s homepage features a unique Doodle in honuor of National Indigenous Peoples Day, designed by Montreal-based Anishinaabe artist Nico Williams. Originating from Aamjiwnaang First Nation (located in southwestern Ontario, Canada), Nico’s practice is deeply rooted in geometric beadwork sculpture, bringing traditional art practice into dialogue with modern objects and landscapes.
We sat down with Nico to discuss his journey as an artist, the inspiration behind this year's Doodle, and what this day means to him.
Q: Tell us a bit about your background as an artist, and how you got started, specifically with geometric beadwork?
Nico: I started my journey in 2017. At the time, I didn’t fully know what "art" could be for me. I applied for a creative grant, which led to an incredible opportunity, my first solo exhibition at the Ojibwe Cultural Foundation on Manitoulin Island. That was really where everything took off.
My great-grandmother was a basket maker of the Kettle Point down in the Lake Huron region, and though I initially tried to make baskets, I ended up weaving geometric forms instead. I eventually joined the Contemporary Geometric Beadwork research team, which even took me to a few sessions at MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology). It was a great experience to connect with others doing geometric beadwork.
In my studio practice, I love to take modern, everyday objects like lottery tickets, Amazon delivery boxes, or caution tape, and bead them. I really aim to focus on how our ancestors have been creating beautiful creations like this for a very long time. For me, it’s so meaningful to bring that traditional craft into contemporary artwork.
Q: What was your inspiration for the design of this year’s Google Doodle?
Nico: The design is heavily inspired by the Great Lakes region and traditional Anishinaabe iconography. The letters of the Doodle are sculpted in deep blue and navy to reflect the abundance of fresh water across Indigenous territories shared between Canada and the US. We are surrounded by the largest freshwater bodies in the world, and I wanted the colour palette to celebrate that.
The bright orange pictographs within the Google letters represent Great Lakes rock art, featuring ancestral creations like (G) Mishipeshu, the Great Lynx; (O)Thunderbirds; (O) Nanabozho, the great trickster; (G) Ajijaak, the Sandhill Crane; (L) the water spirits; and (E) birch bark canoe under a sun. It's lake season afterall.
I also included Ojibwe porcupine quill work and integrated geometric patterns from Ojibwe craft traditions, specifically pulling from regional elk and reindeer geometrics, alongside elements of wood carving, birch bark, and peace pipe traditions. It’s a blend of physical wood carving, birch bark, and meticulous beadwork.
Q: On June 21st, your Doodle will be seen by Canadians coast to coast. What does it mean to you to have your art carrying your story and message on such a scale?
Nico: It is an incredible honour to be featured in this way, and showcase the hard work of Anishinabek heritage and contemporary art and share our culture on a national stage.
I want to show how we can respond to the works created by our ancestors, like the ancient petroglyphs and rock art, and bring those traditional practices into a contemporary light.
Q: National Indigenous Peoples Day has a long history in Canada. What does this day mean to you personally?
Nico: This day was first declared as National Aboriginal Solidarity Day in 1996, and now as we approach its 30th anniversary, it remains an incredibly important day to reflect on the beautiful culture, history, and territories that surround us.
For me, my home nation of Aamjiwnaang was historically a neutral nation during times of conflict. In that spirit, I believe this day is about harmony, neutrality, and coming together. It’s a moment to appreciate the land, the water, and the vibrant cultures that have been preserved here for generations.
Q: What do you hope Canadians take away from your Doodle and this day?
Nico: I hope it brings people joy! But beyond that, I hope it sparks curiosity and education. I want people to look at the geometric patterns and be inspired to learn more about petroglyphs, beadwork, quillbox making, basket weaving, and the sheer amount of time, love, and detail that Indigenous makers put into their crafts.
I hope it prompts Canadians to step outside, appreciate the beautiful water and nature around them, and take a moment to truly reflect on and honour the Indigenous histories of the land they stand on.
