07/23/2026
I am still carrying the gratitude of Merritt, B.C. with me. 🤍
There are some gatherings you attend, and there are others you feel in your bones.
Thank you to everyone who worked tirelessly to welcome, accommodate, and care for the people, community, visitors, and artists who came together. The level of care, intention, generosity, and attention to the needs of others was something I have not experienced in many places. It was deeply felt.
To all of the incredible women tattoo practitioners who welcomed me so warmly, shared space with me, and walked alongside me—thank you. To all of the men tattoo practitioners who stood beside us, contributed their knowledge, teachings, skills, and support—thank you.
What made this gathering so powerful was the way knowledge flowed freely and equally. There was no hierarchy in the sharing. Everyone had something to offer. Everyone had something to learn. We came together with humility, curiosity, openness, and respect.
Through our conversations, teachings, stories, laughter, and the intentions we set together, something much bigger than tattooing was taking place. We were creating connection. We were witnessing one another. We were helping to carry forward practices that colonialism worked so hard to suppress.
And to every beautiful Indigenous body that came forward as a canvas—thank you for your trust. Our work together was a true collaboration. Your bodies, your stories, your strength, and your willingness to participate in this resurgence are an important part of this living practice.
I feel so grateful to have been surrounded by so many Indigenous tattoo practitioners, artists, knowledge keepers, community members, visitors, and beautiful people who came together with such generosity and heart.
Thank you to everyone who made this gathering possible, and to everyone who continues to do the work of creating spaces where our people can reconnect, reclaim, learn, heal, and share.
I leave Merritt with a full heart, a grateful spirit, and so much to carry forward.
Until October. 🤍✨