Artists – Indigenous Tattoo Gathering

Artists attending the 2024 Gathering:

Keith Callihoo

PREBOOKING:

ohkwaribonez@gmail.com

Nation: Kanien’ke:haka/ Metis

Clan: Wakskere:wake

Bio: Keith Callihoo is from Treaty 6 Territory, MFN, cultural tattoo practitioner, airbrush, carver. Attended Earthline Collective in Regina, Sk 2019. He specializes in flower designs rooted in beadwork. Methods include hand poke and stitching. His work has been featured on Skindigenous, Season 3 APTN.

Protocols: Please contact Keith at ohkwaribonez@gmail.com to start dialogue and mention that the consultation is for attending Tyendinaga tattoo gathering. Consultation will include details of protocol.

Nia:wen

Geanna Dunbar (she/her)

PREBOOKING:

Instagram @thebodymodfia Facebook: Geanna Dunbar Piercing and Tattooing

Nation: Metis Nation Saskatchewan

Bio: From Treaty 4, Geanna Dunbar is a Cree-Métis spoken word, visual artist and entrepreneur from Regina, Saskatchewan. She works in mixed media collage, sculpture, acrylic, street art, chalkboard and window painting, and large-scale murals as well as Branding Scarification, Body Piercing, Machine Tattooing, Skin-stitch and hand poked tattooing. With a special interest in sustainable art and interdisciplinary community collaboration, Geanna often sets personal challenges that help her grow and deepen her relationship with her environment and with others.

Geanna Started in the body modification industry in 2015 with piercing, once she noticed that there was no regulation in training she set out to the states to learn under the Association of Professional Piercers in 2016, 2017 and 2019 in Vegas and then carried on Branding Scarification training with Fakir Intensives, Kiss of Fire 2017. In 2018 she took a machine tattooing apprenticeship in a Street Shop located in Regina, Saskatchewan then wanted a more intimate inclusive environment and went on her own in 2019. 2021 introduced her to the revival of indigenous tattooing and began her mentorship with Stacey Fayant, a Cree-Metis artist from Earthline Tattoo Residency

Protocols:

Machine Tattooing – Flash Available at Set Rates ( Regular $150/hr)

Handpoked and Skin Stitched – Half Offering/ Half Hourly Rate ( $75/hr)

Medicines, Hide, Pelts, Beadwork and Sashes are welcomed.

Dion Kaszas

PREBOOKING:

www.consumedbyink.com and filling out the consultation form, make sure you mention this will be at the Tyendinaga tattoo gathering.

NATION: Nlaka’pamux

BIO: Dion Kaszas is an Nlaka’pamux cultural tattoo practitioner and a leader in the revival of Indigenous tattooing in Canada. He has been tattooing professionally since 2009 and started the revival of Nlaka’pamux tattooing in 2012. Dion travels to National and International events, conferences, and tattoo festivals representing Nlaka’pamux and Indigenous tattooing in Canada.

He specialize in Blackwork with an emphasis on traditional hand tattooing techniques. These include hand poke and skin stitch tattooing methods which arise from his Nlaka’pamux culture. He has had the honor of assisting in the revival of Indigenous tattooing across Turtle Island (North America).

Dion’s passion for tattooing extends beyond his artistic work into the successful completion of his Masters degree in Indigenous Studies at the University of British Columbia Okanagan. His continued area of research is Indigenous tattooing, focusing keenly on the revival of Indigenous peoples tattooing practices, using Indigenous and Creative research methodologies. Since his graduation Dion has contributed to a variety of publications and exhibitions as author, editor, curator and consultant.

His work has been featured in Tattoo Traditions of Native North America: Ancient and Contemporary Expressions of Identity, The World Atlas of Tattoo, and highlighted in Newspaper articles from the New York Times to the CBC. In 2018, he was featured in a variety documentary films and TV series. These include Skindigenous, a 3 Season, 13-part documentary series produced in association with APTN exploring Indigenous tattooing traditions around the world and the FOX Nation series USA Ink.

PROTOCOLS: The process of booking an appointment with me includes reaching out before hand via my website www.consumedbyink.com and filling out the consultation form, make sure you mention this will be at the Tyendinaga tattoo gathering. I do this work to fund my everyday life, so ask for the exchange of cash for the gift of my work. My hourly rate for this gathering is $150 an hour.

TATTOOING METHODS OFFERED: I will be offering handpoke and skin stitch tattooing.

Crystal Kimewon / Morning Sky Woman

PREBOOKING:

Facebook: Crystal Kimewon

Instagram: Inkedbeader13

Text: (647)-667-4109

NATION: Ojibway – Wiikwemkoong Unceded Indian Territory

CLAN: Migizi (Eagle)

BIO: I come from the school of hard knocks, 60’s scoop survivor- mother of two Fierce, now adult children – I did a whole lotta living before I started on my healing journey. Becoming a social worker (I prefer Helper) to help others, having worked primarily in the fields of addiction and mental health. Art as a form of expression has helped me along my own healing journey – I designed my first tattoo to hide my self-harm scars from childhood.

Tattooing then has become my Medicine.

At the height of the covid pandemic I lost my partner, we both loved tattoos. He was my greatest canvas pushing me to explore new techniques, encouraging me and guiding me every step of the way. The Grief in losing him was suffocating – I found strength to breathe again through our Traditional Ceremonies and Healing within Traditional Tattoo Ceremony. I became a Certified Tattooist as a means of honoring the Journey.

I share my Truth to connect. We Are Relational Beings.

I practice traditional tattooing. By no means do I SEE these markings on you. This is Your Vision/Dream – I simply help bring it to life for you.

I always share with people that:

You have to make sure you are ready for this.

I have witnessed how these markings take a person into a higher form / level of Self.

And it truly is beautiful to witness. Powerful.

PROTOCOLS: I encourage you to bring your bundle if you have one, we can use mine too, and your semaa (tobacco) offering. Share with me. I listen. If it all feels good for the both of us – we tattoo. That simple.

Artist Rate 150$/hr

Machine Tattoos —-*Cash only (some considerations can apply)

Hand Poke Tattoos —Half in Trade (75$/hr plus trade items)

Trade items: Deer Hide; Medicines (sage, sweetgrass, tobacco); Beading supplies: needles, thread, sz 11 beads (any kind), pellon/beading foundation; Bear Grease (used for traditional tattooing)

TATTOOING METHODS OFFERED: hand poke or machine (see protocol above)

Mel Lefebvre (she/they)

PREBOOKING:

mel@melanielefebvre.com or PM @theoriginalmel on instagram or mel lefebvre on Messenger

NATION: Michif, Nehiyaw

SHORT BIO: Mel Lefebvre is a Two-Spirit Michif (Red River Metis), Nehiyaw (Plains Cree), French, Irish traditional tattoo practitioner and community worker based in Tio’tia:ke/Montreal. Michif family names include Desjardins, Delorme, Guiboche and Vivier. Card carrying member of the Manitoba Metis Federation. Her practice is focused on traditional tattooing as a mode of healing and reconnection for urban Indigenous 2SLGBTQ+ and Indigenous women as well as reclaiming and imagining traditional gender-fluid tattoos in contemporary and future contexts. All are welcome at Mel’s tattoo table

PROTOCOLS: tobacco is expected. we will share some time and space to know a bit about each other before tattooing. i will explain the process and what to expect. gifts of medicines, hides, pelts, etc. are welcome. $50 set up fee and $150 per hour.

TATTOOING METHODS OFFERED: Handpoke, skin stitch. wrist and arm rings, facial tattoos will be available. will have some premade stencils on hand. will not be designing on-site so pre-book if you are interested in something specific.

Nolan Malbeuf

CONTACT INFO FOR PREBOOKING:

Send a message on Instagram or facebook messenger.

NATION: Métis Nation Saskatchewan

BIO: Nolan is a Metis artist and educator. He was born and raised in SIPISIHK – Beauval, Saskatchewan. He recently retired from a 15 year teaching career to pursue art full time. Nolan has been tattooing for 11 years. Nolan’s art is largely influenced by traditional Métis beadwork, nature, and Métis culture. Nolan specializes in bold line-work and colour which aims to compliment the natural flow of the human body.

Nolan’s vision is to utilize tattoos as a vehicle to promote healing, resilience, reconciliation, and resurgence of cultural identity.

Nolan is an award winning artist. He greatly enjoys public speaking and has been invited to speak at a variety of events. Nolan is an advocate for recovery, healing, self worth, and for breaking trail for future generations.

“My people will sleep for one hundred years, but when they awake, it will be the artists who give them their spirit back,” Louis Riel.

PROTOCOLS: Flash available. $170/hr for custom designs.

TATTOOING METHODS OFFERED: Electric tattoos

Sheri Osden Nault (They/Them)

PREBOOKING:

Please send an email with the subject line TYENDINAGA to naultvisualart@gmail.com

NATION: Michif & nêhiyaw of the Nault, Charette, and Bélanger families

BIO: I am a Métis artist, community activist, and educator.

I understand tattooing as healing in that it asserts our domain over our bodies, allows us to embody significant life lessons and memories, and can empower us as we move forward. Tattoos offered at the gathering will include designs based on floral beadwork; text or syllabics drawn on the spot (you must know what you want); line and geometric markings; and realistic/ illustrative designs only if confirmed via email prior to the gathering.

I strive to ensure my tattoo practice is one where you will feel in control of your body and empowered and will share regular updates as I work and about what you can expect from me.

NECESSARY PROTOCOLS: I am Two-Spirit and trans. You must feel your heart is in alignment with receiving tattoo medicine from me knowing this.

Tattooing kin who may have limited access to tattoos is important to me, please read all of my protocol instructions as I am willing to be flexible about payment.

Make an offering of tobacco or another medicine and speak with me about the tattoo you want. If you are able to, reach out via email to plan ahead; in this case you may present your offering when we meet in person.

Tattoos will be *Pay What You Can* $50 and up. This genuinely means that you choose to pay what you can afford to. If you cannot afford this, speak to me and I will tattoo you if I am able. Those who pay more allow me sustain this PWYC/ free system for others. Similarly, if offering tobacco or another medicine feels like a barrier, talk to me about it.

I will be limiting the scale of designs due to time constraints.

TATTOOING METHODS OFFERED: hand poke & skin stitch

Odinamaad / Turningwind

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PREBOOKING:

odinamaad@gmail.com

NATION: Ojibwe/Potawatomi

CLAN: Mshiikehn/ Turtle

SHORT BIO: His is name Odinamaad which means “point of Turning wind”, born on 13/03/1987 in Rotterdam, the Netherlands is an Ojibwe/Potowatomi and Cape Verdian artist belonging to the Henvey Inlet First Nations community in Ontario. A tattoo enthusiast for over 15 years and a practitioner for over 5 years, He has been focussing on Woodland-inspired Ojibwe imagery in order to help with cultural resurgence and identity in his traditional territories. Two times Governour general Arts award recipient for his artistic/cultural contributions. And avid graffiti art and murals throughout southern Ontario. Turning winds Visual medicine is there to help and tend to the fire that is the spirit of his nations.

PROTOCOLS: tobacco, gift, money, hand poke $150 per hour and $120 machine-driven.

TATTOOING METHODS OFFERED: Stick and Poke and electric tattoos. Flash and freehand designs available

Gillian Prince / Waubanungohnse (They/She)

PREBOOKING:

Send a message to @waubanungohnse on instagram, or email gillianprinceee@gmail.com

NATION: Anishinaabe/Ojibway

COMMUNITY: Mattagami First Nation

BIO: Gillian Prince (They/She), also known as Waubanungohnse (Morningstar) is an Indigiqueer Traditional Hand Poke Tattoo Practitioner. Specializing in Hand Poke Tattooing techniques and traditional designs with a modern mix. They have been practicing their technique for nearly 5 years, and learning the cultural significance surrounding traditional markings for Indigenous peoples.

Gillian travels across so-called ontario offering Hand Poke Markings/Tattoos to Indigenous peoples. They also attend Traditional Indigenous Tattoo Gatherings, other cultural gatherings and communities when they can.

Gillian’s goal with offering Traditional Markings/Tattoos is to assist Indigenous peoples in feeling confident and comfortable in their identity. To encourage Traditional Marking revival, in being proud of who we are and show that we are still here – and that our traditional practices cannot and will not be erased. As well as a priority to hold safe and secure space for 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, and/or anyone who needs supports.

PROTOCOLS: Medicines/Offerings are expected. Hourly rate is $150 (Handpoke only). Can do custom pieces, please discuss concepts with me during prebooking. Flash will be available at the gathering.

Please discuss trades with me beforehand.

Accessibility is important, tell me what you can afford. I am willing to work with anyone.

TATTOOING METHODS OFFERED: Hand poke

Anne Spice

PREBOOKING:

aspice@ryerson.ca

NATION: Tlingit

CLAN: Crow moiety

SHORT BIO: Anne is a hand-poked tattoo artist. They are passionate about reclaiming Indigenous tattooing, including the revival of tattooing as a ceremonial practice and one that builds reciprocity and relation in community.

NECESSARY PROTOCOLS: I prefer to trade for tattoos. This is part of reviving our gift economies. I invite you to think about the meaning and value of your tattoo outside of monetary exchange. Meaningful gifts given for my tattoos have included: handmade tinctures; home-tanned hides and furs; canned fish; a ribbon skirt; a drum; earrings; art; medicines. If you’re not able to gift something, a sliding scale of $100-$150/ hour is appropriate (or a combination of cash and gifts). Please let me know what you intend to exchange when you book your tattoo appointment, or when you approach me at the gathering. Gunałchéesh.

TATTOOING METHODS OFFERED: hand poke in black, blue, red (and I’ll try to track down some Mohawk purple). Face tattoos, if well-researched and culturally appropriate.

Mercedes Terrance

PREBOOKING:

Email mercedes.J.terrance@gmail.com or on Facebook or Instagram (links below)

Nation: Akwesasne

Clan: Wolf, Okwaho

Short bio: Shekon,

My name is Mercedes, my Kanien’kehaka Name is Tsatsi’tsiahawi (She carries/brings the flowers). I am an Akwesasne Artist, & have been Tattooing using the methods of Hand Poke & Machine work for 4+ years. I specialize in mostly Floral, Traditional art, & intricate line work. My Hand Poke Apprentice, Lenni Terrance will be joining me to learn more about the safety hazards & new tattoo methods/techniques. We both look forward to joining you all at the event this year.

Necessary protocols: tobacco, gifts/trades, hand poke- $150 per hour, machine work- $100 per hour

Tattooing methods offered: Hand poke, and Machine Work. Designs available, & custom designs available