BURSTIn the serene yet troubled region along the shores of Stuart Lake, the acronym MMIWG2S resonates with profound significance. Standing for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit people, MMIWG2S highlights a dire human rights crisis marked by disproportionate violence against Indigenous women and 2SLGBTQI+ individuals. For more than five years, local Indigenous braider Davis Monk has partnered annually with Taylor Hansen Photography to raise awareness about the local individuals who have vanished without a trace. Monk, personally affected by this crisis, is driven by the memory of his aunt, Margaret, who went missing and was later found deceased. He volunteers his hair and makeup services for these events and participates as a model, having organized over five events since 2019.
Alexandra Thomas is a regular at every Free Community MMIW Awareness Photoshoot organized by Monk and Hansen. Reflecting on the losses of her cousins and friends, Thomas shares her personal connection to the crisis: “Immaculate Basil, 26, went missing from Fort St. James in June 2013. Her family still holds vigils and searches for her. Bonnie Marie Joseph, 32, disappeared in September 2007 from Vanderhoof. Her family still seeks closure. Crystal Alfred’s unsolved murder and Brittany Jean Schram’s disappearance remain haunting memories.” Thomas, who believes every First Nations person knows someone affected, is committed to raising awareness and has another photoshoot planned in Vanderhoof on April 19th with Ashley Ratz.
Charmaine Bird, another passionate supporter of MMIW awareness events, underscores the importance of speaking up. As an Indigenous woman with three daughters, Bird feels a responsibility to be part of the solution. She expresses pride in her culture and supports the photoshoots as a platform to voice the need for change.
The Nak’azdli Whut’en Office maintains a growing list of missing individuals, while Lynn from Omineca SafeHome in Vanderhoof provides valuable information on the Highway of Tears—a 725-kilometer stretch of Highway 16 where many Indigenous women and girls have disappeared or been found murdered since 1970.
Alexandra Thomas recalls a poignant conversation with her brother about the uncertainty of reaching adulthood in this environment: “I wonder if we will make it to 16? 19 would be cool. I really am so fortunate to be alive today.” The disappearance of women in Northern British Columbia calls for urgent dialogue. Awareness photography, by capturing striking images imbued with powerful messages, aims to keep this conversation alive, with the hope of one day bringing our stolen sisters home.
The event took place on April 9, in Fort St. James.