Tattooing is a tradition that our people have been practicing
for generations. Indigenous people from all four directions have many
traditional ways of tattooing. These tattoos
represent different clans, tribes, and even individuals’ status in their
communities. Today there are still traditional tattoo artist that perform
tattoos. I got the opportunity to vibe with a Tlingit tattoo artist! At the Northwest canoe journeys there can be over
10,000 natives in one location. So many people were holding raffle ticket signs,
selling amazing cedar work from carving to weaving. My homeboy Keet Dayeen was
walking around holding a sign that said "Tlingit Tattooing by Nahaan". Tlingit Tattoo and Design by Nahaan https://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/TlingitTattoo 
Keet Dayeen, Nahaan, and myself--Paddle to Squaxin Island 2012
I am so ecstatic about Nahaan’s work! From being an Eastern Algonquin native I can say that the coastal designs in the west are very different from our traditional coastal designs here in the east. Our traditional designs were found near the edge and border of our garments and even pottery. Sometimes designs would be found in the center of mantels, bags, and breech cloths. They were also abstract and had minimal detail. Sometimes when looking at a eastern Algonquin design you can see many different types of things in one design. That could also depend on who was viewing the design.
You know how people use the phrase “ A man of many hats”? LOL…Well I would say Nahaan seems to be the artist of many hats!
I just want say to Nahaan--keep the fire burning
because your work provides our people with the enlightenment that we need to
prosper. Specifically our youth! Role models and mentors seem to be short in
numbers these days. However, people like you and many others I have blogged
about are those role models and mentors that our youth need to lead our
nations.
Be sure to check out Nahaan’s work
Instagram @nahaan206
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