#042 What if the art of tattooing could reconnect us to our roots and transform our self-identity? Join me, Dion Kazas, as I welcome Kristine and Wes Wilson to discuss their involvement in the Nlaka'pamux Blackwork project and their personal journeys with Indigenous tattoos. Kristine talks about her significant role as a model and supporter in the Earthline Indigenous tattoo schools and how her meaningful tattoos have fueled a cultural resurgence in skin stitching. Wes shares his transformative experience of overcoming hesitation due to his vitiligo and embracing tattoos, paving a path toward self-acceptance and cultural expression.

We also celebrate the creative genius of Janessa Wilson, whose traditional motifs have turned a simple jersey for the Salmon Arm Silverbacks into a canvas of cultural symbolism. Her designs are a testament to visual sovereignty, embodying a profound connection to the earth and heritage. This episode shines a spotlight on the collaborative spirit of various organizations, like the Canada Council for the Arts, Arts Nova Scotia and the IOTA Institute, that are nurturing community identity by  sponsoring the development of a visual dictionary of Nlaka'pamux art, ensuring these cultural symbols remain vibrant and recognized.

Photography and storytelling emerge as crucial tools in preserving and healing communities. We explore how a couple's dedication to capturing precious moments, especially after the fire in Lytton, illustrates photography's power in safeguarding cultural legacies. The episode concludes with the sacredness of documenting tattoo experiences, where unexpected connections and the honor of sharing intimate spaces underscore the project's profound impact. As we continue to honor these personal and cultural journeys, we find inspiration in the stories that bind us and the legacies we leave behind.

Check out my tattoo work at:
https://www.consumedbyink.com
Instagram @dionkaszas

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https://ko-fi.com/transformativemarks

I acknowledge the support of the Canada Council for the Arts & We acknowledge the support of Arts Nova Scotia

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