Missing and murdered Indigenous women (MMIW) is an issue affecting Indigenous people in the United States and Canada. Indigenous women are disproportionately affected by all forms of violence, and we are significantly over-represented among female homicide victims in both countries. We are also far more likely than other women to go missing.

Like so many in my culture, I personally have been heart broken by the tragic and horrific reality of MMIW. In 2012 my cousin, a single mother went missing and was later found murdered. In 2016 a friend, another single mother went missing and was later found murdered in 2017. To this day their murders remain unsolved and sadly almost forgotten. 

As a result of trying to heal and understand my own sorrow and anger, I created “Why We Wear Red”. This painting took over a year to create because as I was sketching and later painting my sadness with the realization of this epidemic was so very hard to deal with. I had to put it away many times. As time went on I was able to find the strength to finish it because I realized my own relative, friend and the numerous sisters who also have been almost forgotten, deserve have their stories told over and over and a right to justice. They deserve a voice and it’s up to me and others to continue to raise awareness. I know these women were and still are warriors and are calling upon us on this side to continue their fight to stop this epidemic and to help bring them and their families’ justice.

This is why we wear red!