Ep 038 Canoes, Culture, and Tattoos: Navigating Heritage with Stephen Recalma

Transform your understanding of cultural heritage and personal growth through the lens of Indigenous tattooing. Join us as we feature Stephen Recalma and his journey with the Nlaka'pamux Blackwork Project. Stephen opens up about his journey through the extensive process of receiving a full bodysuit tattoo inspired by his ancestral roots. Listen to his heartfelt reflections on the emotional and physical trials he faced, and learn how patience, acceptance, and internal healing became integral parts of his transformative experience. Dion shares the project's mission and the challenges encountered, including an unforeseen COVID-19 interruption.

Discover the deeper meanings behind traditional patterns like the fly pattern, not just as artistic expressions but as profound cultural symbols and personal emblems. These designs serve as prayers and reminders, impacting the wearer's life in multifaceted ways. Through our engaging conversation, you'll gain insights into the Indigenous perspective of context and multiple meanings, contrasting sharply with Western interpretations. We stress the importance of documentation and community involvement in preserving these cultural practices, emphasizing their significance for both personal reflection and communal archival.

Our discussion also touches on the interconnectedness of art, culture, and ancestral knowledge. Stephen's roles as a canoe skipper, archaeologist, and community leader bring a rich tapestry of experiences to the table. Hear about the intuitive skills required for both skipping canoes and tattooing, and how understanding physical, emotional, and spiritual states is crucial in both realms. Tune in to be inspired by the depth of cultural connection and personal development shared in 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 & We acknowledge the support of Arts Nova Scotia