Ep 018 Ink of Identity: Sydney Frances Cultural Reconnection Through Resurgence of Indigenous Tattoo

Imagine tracing the contours of your identity through the indelible ink of ancestral tattoos, as Sydney, our guest, shares her journey of reconnection and revival. Amid the backdrop of her family's history entwined with the 60s Scoop, Sydney's narrative weaves the art of tattooing with the threads of cultural healing and heritage. As she guides us from the canvas of hides to the living tapestry of skin, we uncover the poignant transformation of personal and collective identity through the time-honored practice of Indigenous tattooing.

Join us for an intimate exploration of the power of Indigenous art and its role in storytelling, resistance, and identity reaffirmation. Sydney opens up about the vulnerability and strength found in embedding personal history into visual art, inspiring a new wave of artists at Emily Carr University and beyond. The episode celebrates the resurgence of traditional practices, such as hide tanning and tattooing, which stand as testaments to resilience. We revel in the beauty of Indigenous languages flourishing in classrooms, the art of cultural sharing, and the balance struck between preserving sacred traditions and inviting inclusivity.

Witness the transformative journey of an artist whose creative endeavors extend beyond mere expression to become active agents of cultural preservation and academic accessibility for Indigenous communities. Sydney's voice echoes the significance of passing down knowledge through art, ensuring the vibrancy of Indigenous identity amidst the modern world's complexities. Her story, punctuated by the creation of a deeply personal short film, is a reminder of art's capacity to connect us to our ancestors and chart a path for future generations, honoring the past while boldly navigating the currents of contemporary life.

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 Sydney at:
Instagram @sydney.f.pascal

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