November 25, 2021 - New Indigenous-owned tattoo shop + free park admission

Get poked at Thunderbird Rising Studios

As we near the end of Native American Heritage Month, we’re giving you the must-know details about Thunderbird Rising Studios — what we’ve found as Indy’s only Indigenous-owned hand poke tattoo shop.

An ink-credible addition to the Fountain Square neighborhood, the shop is located at the corner of Prospect + Laurel St. and is owned by Stephanie Big Eagle, local author, dancer, and of course, tattoo artist.

Stephanie Big Eagle in front of her freshly completed mural | Photo via INDYtoday team

Thunderbird Rising opened just last month + is part of a movement to bring back the traditional hand poke tattoo method, which has been around for thousands of years. Stephanie, whose tribe is Lakota and Dakota Sioux, opened the shop as a space to empower Indigenous Hoosiers to share their culture with everyone.

The tools used in the hand poke technique are all modern, sanitized needles + contemporary inks — it’s the style and culture behind it that’s ancient and traditional. It’s a machine-free method that’s more connected to the spiritual aspect of tattoos.

A calming space for Thunderbird Rising’s clients | Photo via INDYtoday team

The front of the shop is an intentional space held for Indigenous creators to offer their work and it will also be used for gallery shows and events. Proceeds go straight back to the communities that made the work possible.

You might recognize this building as Onatah General’s old location | Photo via INDYtoday team

Tattoos are appointment-only at the moment, but Stephanie intends to welcome walk-ins in the future. Working with clients to create custom designs is the method of choice with Thunderbird Rising, though flash pieces might be available further down the line. If you’d like to make an appointment for a tattoo, you can do so on Thunderbird Rising’s website.

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EVENTS

Today

Drumstick Dash | Thurs., Nov. 25 | 9 a.m. | Broad Ripple | $37+ | Move your feet so others can eat during the 19th annual Drumstick Dash to benefit Wheeler Mission. 🍗
Turkey Trot for Kiran | Thurs., Nov. 25 | 9-10:30 a.m. | Messiah Lutheran Church at Eagle Creek | $30 donation recommended | Run, walk or stroll the 3-mile course to benefit COTA in honor of Kiran to assist with organ transplant-related expenses. 👟

Friday

Houndmouth | Fri., Nov. 26 | 8 p.m. | The Vogue | $25+ | With radio hits like “Sedona” + “The Green House,”catch this Indiana-based band on stage alongside some pals. 🎸

Saturday

Hanukkah Handmade: Family workshop | Sat., Nov. 27 | 10:30 a.m.-1:45 p.m. | Classroom, Indiana History Center | $3 + admission | Learn about the traditions that make Hanukkah special for Hoosiers + decorate a menorah. 🕎
Spellbound Darkwave DJ Dance Night | Sat., Nov. 27 | 9:30-11:59 p.m. | $8+ | Dance the night away at this special event, brought to you by Indy CD & Vinyl and Big Lug Brewing Co. 🎶

We have a monthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

MORE FOR YOUR CALENDAR

NEWS NOTES

Weather

48º | Morning rain | 93% chance of rain

Traffic

Travel lanes impacted by work on North Keystone have opened up — just in time for holiday traffic. Indy DPW reopened lanes in all directions, including on + off-ramps at the Keystone Ave. and 86th St. intersection. Work is not completely finished though, and drivers are urged to use caution. 🚗 (FOX59)

Hoosier

Chef Tanorria Askew — fourth-best cook in America on season 7 of Masterchef — has just released her new cookbook, “Staples +5,” which is great for cooking newbies, burnt-out home cooks + everyone in between. The book also addresses food desert problems, serving as a tool for social justice. 🥘 (WRTV)

Outdoors

Get outside this Black Friday, Hoosiers. The Indiana DNR is offering free gate admission on Nov. 26 in all gated locations + as part of the “Opt Outside” promotion, visitors could win prizes by sharing photos, doing a scavenger hunt or stamping their Indiana State Nature Passport. 🌳 (WRTV)

Feel Good

A south side grandmother had the pool of her family’s dreams, but last winter turned it to rubble + her insurance wouldn’t cover the repairs. However, thanks to eight selfless Hoosier companies banding together to do $90,000 worth of free work, it looks like the pool will be fixed by springtime. 🌊 (WTHR)

Holiday

Happy turkey day — today is Thanksgiving, a day of thanks celebrated since 1621 + made a national holiday in 1863 by Abraham Lincoln. Thanks, Abe. Whether you’re crossing the finish line at the Drumstick Dash or breaking bread from Amelia’s, remember to reflect on the things you’re grateful for. 🦃

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In the giving spirit 🥃

📸 @hoteltangodistillery

Happy Thanksgiving, Indy. 🦃

Did you know that veteran-owned Hotel Tango is taking part in a program that provides socks to soldiers overseas?

While you’re sitting at the dinner table — possibly sipping on a Hotel Tango bourbon cocktail — consider giving back this year, as well.

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THE WRAP

Editor’s Pick: Speaking of ink, City Editors Anna + Nicole both have two tattoos. Anna’s are based around stories she’s read, while Nicole’s are focused on symbols — her zodiac ♎ + her angel number.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? It’s not too late to check out our Q+A with Sip & Share Wines owner Nicole Kearney.