Ep 008 Healing and Heritage: Journey of an Indigenous Tattoo Artist with Tristen Jenni Sanderson

When Tristen Jenni Sanderson gracefully maneuvered her path from the structured world of construction to the fluid lines of tattoo artistry, she didn't just change professions; she embraced a calling that would weave together stories of loss, heritage, and healing. My latest conversation invites you on an introspective journey with Tristen, an Indigenous tattoo artist from Chakastaypasin band, whose work transcends mere ink on skin to become a conduit for personal and collective narratives. Her tattoos are the stitches that bind the fabric of individual identities to the expansive quilt of Indigenous culture, a legacy passed down from her father's regalia making and her Kookum's Starquilt crafting.

This episode digs deeper than the surface of the skin, into the heart of what it means to carry and overcome trauma while clutching tightly to one's roots. Tristen and I share not just stories but strategies for navigating the delicate balance between absorbing clients' emotional experiences and safeguarding our own mental health. It's a candid look at the unique pressures faced by tattoo artists and the ceremonies we perform to maintain our spiritual well-being amidst the challenges of the craft. With Tristan's wisdom as our guide, we traverse the landscape of mental and emotional health for creatives, highlighting the therapeutic power tattoos hold within Indigenous communities.

What does it mean to revive an ancestral visual language in a modern world? Tristen's artistry offers a profound reply, as we celebrate the resurgence of Indigenous designs traditionally worn with pride on the body. But the conversation reaches beyond the ink—it's an homage to the burgeoning impact of Indigenous representation in all spheres, from the arts to the everyday success stories that shape the aspirations of Indigenous youth. Join us as we honor the transformative power of tattooing, not just as an art form, but as a medium that bridges generations, heals spirits, and tells the stories that might otherwise be left untold.

Thank you to Billie Jean Gabriel for assistance in filming this episode.

I hope you have enjoyed this episode, and I am excited to travel the world of Indigenous tattooing with you as we visit with friends and colleagues from across the globe doing the work.

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

Buy me a Coffee at:
https://ko-fi.com/transformativemarks

I acknowledge the support of the Canada Council for the Arts