By Dan Ninham
Willard Malebear, Jr. is the owner of Iktomi Tattoo Inc., located in the Uptown neighborhood of South Minneapolis. A member of the Standing Rock Lakota, his work doesn’t end there as he empowers others in perhaps all four directions.
Malebear is inspired by building community infrastructure that includes building up people to think and be positive and to contribute back into the full circle of a thriving community.
His work not only includes owning a tattoo company but also initiating an art, culture and music event that was successful in mid-March. He’s planning the second annual event next year.
“I have been the owner of a tattoo business for a little over a year and a half, and our most recent event that we organized is called the Mni Sota Akitho Festival,” he said.
“The idea to put this event together emerged from my love for tattooing, music and my culture,” said Malebear. “I have attended several tattoo conventions and I have hosted numerous music events through my nonprofit called Art Shelf about six months ago. I had the idea of hosting a festival and we applied for business loans and after a couple months, we were approved. We then introduced our event and started promoting it a little over three and a half months ago.”
“This event encompasses tattooing, both traditional and contemporary tattoo styles, and music in all variations of hip-hop, rhythm and blues, and electronic. We also have workshops and an immersive art room. This year’s festival was attended by over 800 people, he added.
“The tattooing happened in its own separate ballroom on the lower level of the festival,” said Malebear. “We had around 30 native and BIPOC tattoo artists from all across Turtle Island.”
“I think the strengths of the tattooing was the diversity and the fellowship with the community of tattoo artists that attended. We had an amazing connection and we all supported each other and there was enough diverse styles where everyone had space to shine,” he said.
Alyss Mountain (Red Lake Ojibwe) is known as Waabz, short for Waabanaangikwe, in the tattoo industry.
“My style of tattooing is extremely versatile,” said Waabz. “I am a color artist that also specializes in black and grey realism. I enjoy customizing pieces and creating my own renditions of art.”
“More recently I have been asked to create art that shows where I come from such as Ojibwemowin, names, clan systems, nature and florals. To me this is significant because our clients become walking billboards of artistic expression and language revitalization in a modern approach,” added Waabz.
Shannon Joyce is a descendant of the White Earth Band of Ojibwe. Her father and grandmother are enrolled band members. “I love tattooing Ojibwe floral designs,” said Joyce. “Many people who request these tattoos show me Ojibwe beadwork they would like me to reference. The designs can also come from regalia or be patterns passed down in their family.”
“Beadwork is a beautiful tradition that has been passed down for generations and is still going strong today with many people innovating new designs. These tattoos are a way to carry identity, tradition and culture with the wearer and be visibly and unapologetically indigenous,” added Joyce.
“I tent to meld black and grey or color realism into my own unique style,” said Missy Mahan. “Being Tonoho O’odham, People of the Desert, from the southwest we are known by our basket work. Culturally our basket work was created not only as decoration but for everyday use. Our baskets are made from the plants of our land, mainly yucca and devils claw.”
“Our man in the maze, or I’itoi, is a representation of our creator and the twists and turns we take throughout life’s journey. When meeting the center of the maze we then take our next steps onward,” added Mahan.
“This beadwork hummingbird surrounded by appliqué style Ojibwe floral represents so many thing to my client, as it was a memorial piece for a passed love one,” said Deven Current, White Earth Ojibwe. “The hummingbird was featured on their funeral pamphlet. The flowers were picked specifically by the client as well. The design and style I got to choose and I’ve always wanted to attempt this style, the beadwork is a unique and beautiful challenge.”
“Hummingbirds represent hope and jubilation in the Anishinaabe culture,” added Current.
“It’s truly an honor for me to show up for my community in these ways as I am seven years sober and got out of prison five years ago,” said Malebear Jr.
“It’s a big deal for me to be here today and to be a part of my culture,”he added.
