Monday, June 24, 2024
Behind the Veil - By Heather Fryer
Every few years, I embark on a deeply emotional project focused on the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) issue. My latest project, titled, Behind the Veil, aims to shed light on a topic that society has often skirted around - the plight of Indigenous women who have gone missing or have been tragically murdered in Canada. Society has been good at keeping this information hidden behind a veil of secrecy. My aim is to help pull back the veil through awareness and art. Learn more about MMIW here.
Red Dress Day, May 5 is a significant annual event that commemorates and raises awareness for the thousands of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, 2 spirit, and gender diverse people in Canada. This day serves as a catalyst for educating and fostering understanding to ultimately eradicate violence aimed at Indigenous women, girls, 2 spirit, and gender diverse individuals.
Red Dress Day started in 2010 by Métis artist Jamie Black in Winnipeg. The impactful art installation featured numerous red dresses in public spaces. Red symbolizes unity and carries cultural importance in Indigenous communities. It's believed spirits can see red, aiding missing Indigenous women and girls.
A red hand symbolizing the MMIW movement covers the mouth, serving as a powerful representation of this increasingly recognized issue. This emblem honors the voices of countless missing sisters, echoing the overlooked absence of their presence. Moreover, it sheds light on the concerning silence prevailing within the realms of mainstream media and law enforcement, spotlighting the urgency of addressing this ongoing crisis and emphasizing the importance of amplifying awareness to bring about necessary change.
Indigenous women face higher violence risk compared to non-indigenous women. From 2001 to 2014, indigenous women had four times more homicides than non-indigenous. Despite being only 4.3% of the population, they account for 16% of all female homicide victims. This alarming gap needs immediate attention to protect indigenous women's safety.
Generational Trauma
This image reflects intense emotions like anguish, fear, rage, and pain due to inaction on a pressing issue. It serves as a reminder of the consequences of unresolved challenges for indigenous individuals facing violence and disappearances, ignored for too long.
Lena Bobbie Chelsea Marion Daniels, a Woodland Cree Iskwew from Thompson, Manitoba, advocates for MMIW and Every Child Matters. She works as a Building Operator, Musician, and Model, empowering youth through music and fashion shows.
The Project Team
Here Lena is wearing a t-shirt remembering Carolann Robillard, 35, and 11-year-old Sara Miller, killed in a random attack in Edmonton on May 5th, 2023.
Keisha Cardinal, a young indigenous woman from Chipewyan Prairie First Nation, expresses herself through art, shaped by her indigenous upbringing, looks forward to her future.
Breanna Inkpen, Métis model from Treaty 6, promotes indigenous fashion worldwide. Experienced makeup artist, passionate about beauty and fashion. Focuses on youth empowerment, mental health awareness, and MMIW issue advocacy. Sister to 13 siblings, emphasizes safety and awareness in society. Participated in a powerful photoshoot to raise awareness about missing indigenous women.
Liz Pelland, “I am a Cree woman was born in Selkirk Manitoba in the late fifties. I spent the last three years of my schooling at R.B. Russell in Winnipeg. I have always been interested in the art in high school. I was in a theater group with the costumes department. I tried my hand at different types of crafts when I lived in Prince Edward Island. I took classes in Tole painting in the past two years, and I renewed my interest in sewing.”
Liz, a talented designer, meticulously crafted this stunning skirt entirely on her own, showcasing her creativity and skill in every stitch.
Owen Lloyd is First Nations Cree from treaty 8 territory and currently lives in treaty 6. He has been modelling since he was 15 and he also dances. He wishes to inspire other indigenous young adults and youth to know that any dream is possible.
Brittany, Our Hair and Make Up Artist, Anishinaabe from Black River First Nation, Manitoba. Now resides in Edmonton, Alberta. Started her career in Business development and Networking. She felt the need to follow her dreams and become a TV/Film makeup artist. Her passion and drive led her to graduate Masters Makeup Artistry in 2020, while attending school she created Binny Cosmetics.
Below are some of the images from this project, I will let them speak to you, as mere words do not do justice to the vision.
Special thanks to my Husband Steve for being my assistant and partner.
I hope these images speak to you and help to pull back the veil.
Submitted by Heather Fryer
