For Native artists, tattooing is a revival of tradition

Tattooing, historically practiced by Native people along the North Pacific coast, is regaining popularity, including as a way of reconnecting with cultural traditions, two Native tattoo artists said during a presentation Monday at the Haines Sheldon Museum.

Nahaan, a Seattle artist with Tlingit and Inupiaq heritage, and Nakkita Trimble of Prince Rupert, B.C., who is of Tlingit and Nisga’a heritage, each said they’ve been working in skin art or “permanent regalia” for about six years.