Ep 016 Pioneering Spaces for Indigenous Tattooing with Geanna Dunbar

Navigating the vibrant yet complex world of tattoo artistry, I had the privilege of sitting down with the exceptionally skilled Geanna Dunbar, a Plains Cree, Métis tattoo artist who shares her profound insights and personal odyssey within the industry. Our conversation traverses the struggles that artists of color face in mainstream tattooing, from the obstacles of gatekeeping and sexism to the essential act of preserving cultural practices. We peel back the layers of the industry to reveal the importance of mentorship and the imperative of carving out inclusive spaces that allow for Indigenous artists to flourish and heal our communities through ancestral skin marking.

Geanna and I venture further, dissecting the delicate balance of consent, boundaries, and the cultural evolution within tattooing and piercing professions. Our dialogue illuminates a collective endeavor towards ethical practices, underscoring the movement against sexual assault and the protection of young clients. We confront the raw truths of the field and the progressive steps being made towards educating both artists and clients on fostering safer, more respectful environments — an evolution that resonates with our responsibility to honor the art form while nurturing cultural pride and community healing.

Embark on this journey with us as we delve into the intersections of art, culture, and leadership, exploring how Indigenous artists like Geanna and I are not only reshaping traditional and contemporary tattoo styles but also instigating change, defying norms, and setting an example in the renaissance of our cultural practices for emerging generations. This episode of Transformative Marks Podcast promises a profound connection to the roots of ancestral art and illuminates the pathways we are forging to empower our communities through our craft.

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.

You can find Geanna at:
Instagram @thebodymodfia

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