I chose photography as the medium of artwork to focus on due to its precise capture of the human emotion in regards to Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women. These photos are related directly to the movement, capturing the both negative and positive emotion. The color red is an important trend through most works, since it boldy represents the blood of the women who’s voices cannot be heard. The women who present the color are speaking, as activists, on the behalf for these women and children by remembering each individual as part of a collective story. Community is the other common trend, as women band together to support each other and be the voices for those lost.

The original sources may be referenced by simply clicking on the relevant image. Linked within the captions are more information, the artists, and the subjects.

Bella Bresse wipes away a tear as she speaks about her murdered daughter, Evangeline Billy, at the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls taking place in Whitehorse, YT. Bresse remains strong and dignified in the face of this unprecedented crisis, speaking out despite the depth of the issue and the need to grieve. She is surrounded by others giving her support. It is this community onto which the current political and social issues for recognition of the issue revolve upon. It is important to note how the person who killed Billy was a woman involved with drugs, demonstrating the breadth and complexity of problems faced in these communities.

These children walking into the distance represent more of the community surrounding the support of those effected by Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women. Despite the difficult path, there will always be remembrance for the victims. The two girls walk confidently along a desolate path together as a broader message of communal sisterhood. Matika Wilbur, the photographer, works on capturing contemporary American Indian life in large projects.

This photograph of an indigenous woman is part of the REDress project, headed by Jaime Black. As in other parts of the wider exhibit, the red dress is an important symbol for the movement, representing the women who no longer are being heard. The photographer chose to place the woman in a snowy environment, symbolizing a barrenness that the spirit of these women fills. This is further accomplished through the movement of the woman in the flowing dress.

This image is an aggressive voice for the cause of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women due to the intensity and color. This track runner, Rosalie Fish, painted her body in the movement’s characteristic red to recognize the movement boldly as a young activist. One could deduce parallels between the recognition of MMIW issues and track racing; Fish is alone in this single race, but part of a greater team. Alex Flett is the photographer, who recognized the beauty of this track runner in particular

This image, to conclude, is a powerful example of the activism being carried out within tribal communities. Indigenous women have withstood incredibly high rates of violence within their communities. Finally, these women are having their voice heard, whether the colonial-settler state likes it or not. This image particularly shows the emotion and great number of activists working together for the wider cause. This image was taken by Sarah Morris.