I am from the Raven Clan of the Han Gwich’in tribe from my mother. I am Oglala Lakota from my father. Traditionally Han Gwich’in women wore facial markings in the form of tattoos. Each tattoo done in ceremony, represents a rite of passage, becomes part of our story, and has powerful, significant meaning. However, due to colonization a lot of Indigenous culture, ceremonies, practices and teachings were stripped from our people. One of the first things colonizer’s quickly identified to erase from our culture was the practice of tattooing across Turtle Island. Everyone’s tattoos are significant to them and held different meanings. Women in my tribe usually got the chin tattoos at different points, or stages in life, representing a rite of passage.

Reclaiming my identity as Gwich’in girl coming into womanhood, has been a powerful experience that has had a profound impact on my life in the most positive ways. Traditionally women gave each other tattoos. I had wanted a traditional tattoo as an early teen, but I had a lot to learn, understand the meaning, significance, the connection and sacredness. The traditional tattoos are not just for looks, they are not a trend or fashion statement. I had to be ready spiritually, mentally and emotionally for the big step of wearing these markings in today’s world. My momma was fully supportive through this and we talked a lot about it, prayed about it, sat with the idea in sweat ceremonies until one winter moon we both knew it was time, I was ready. My mother gave me my tattoo one evening at home, hand poke style, in a ceremony that was so powerful and meaningful. I am the first girl(age 14)to get a traditional tattoo as my coming of age ceremony in over a century since tattoo practices were banned through colonization. My chin tattoo was also the first tattoo my mom ever gave anyone and now she has given other Indigenous women their traditional tattoos as well.