we are on stolen, unceded land

I live and work on amiskwacîwâskahikan ᐊᒥᐢᑲᐧᒋᐋᐧᐢᑲᐦᐃᑲᐣ , Treaty 6 territory (which covers Western Alberta, Saskatchewan and into Manitoba). Edmonton is located within Treaty 6 Territory and the Métis homelands & Métis Nation of Alberta Region 4. We acknowledge this land as the traditional territories of many First Nations such as the Nehiyaw (Cree), Denesuliné (Dene), Nakota Sioux (Stoney), Anishinaabe (Saulteaux) and Niitsitapi (Blackfoot). As a tattoo artist specifically, I want to acknowledge the indigenous origins and sacred history of tattooing in North America as well as in a wider global context. I commit to participating in the dissemination of information/education about indigenous tattoo practices and supporting those who are working to revive and protect the ancestral tattoo practices that colonialism has tried to erase.

I have immense privilege as a white settler and I work to use that privilege to support communities in decolonizing tattooing. These efforts include tattooing all skin types and bodies; providing resources and education freely for BIPOC artists; providing pay-what-you-can service to low-income & marginalized folks to keep tattoos accessible for all; taking indigenous-led courses and continuing my education; supporting and sharing BIPOC artists; giving direct mutual aid to community members; regularly supporting indigenous-led community organizations with time or funds; and engaging in community activism. I commit to wielding my power for indigenous and disabled justice and liberation in amiskwacîy. I refuse to benefit from the monetizing of indigenous culture and identity and will not profit from culturally appropriative imagery of any kind.

I take it seriously as a white settler person on stolen lands to pay out to these communities and share other resources, organize fundraisers, use my platform to amplify BIPOC voices, advocate for de-colonial practices and Land Back initiatives, seek out ongoing education, and use my privilege and platform to share education, calls to action and resources. I want to express my gratitude to the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis community members who have put in time and energy to educate me and the broader settler community.

Thank you for the many gifts given. Individual actions will never be enough but systemic changes will be achieved through strengthening the community.