Last month Boulder had a little film festival at the Dairy Arts Center (July 15-18). They were showing this film called "Frenchie," which was so inspiring (about an adorable French free base jumper). I had never been to the Dairy Arts Center, so (in normal punctual Colorado Kimmie style) I got there a little early. I was so thankful I did, because I was lucky enough to see the last night of a MMIWG exhibit that brought chills and all the feels...
First, MMIWG stands for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women + Girls. MMIWG brings awareness to a generations long silent epidemic. You may have seen this hashtag before (#MMIWG) which brings both a voice and a story. Shockingly, 86% of missing + murdered indigenous people cases are currently unsolved. Over 400 different tribes are affected. Indigenous women go missing or are raped/murdered at a rate 3x our national average.
Few people know this about me, especially due to my Scotch/Irish/German skin tone. My Granny was Cherokee. So, I have indigenous warrior + story-telling blood. Plus, I have + feel a strong connection to Mother Earth. This exhibit hit a bit close for me. It's heartbreaking to learn of so much indigenous crime + desecration of Mother Earth (indigenous women's bodies) that goes unreported by our country's media. Currently, 95% of the MMIW cases are not covered at all my our MSM (source: Urban Indian Health Institute.) I teared up reading the survivor stories.
I wanted to share, through my iPhone photography, some of the strong ocular imagery:
The Fashion:
Patricia Michaels is a survivor of kidnapping at the age of 13. She was held captive and abused for 4 days. The unspeakable actions that happened to her and her near death experience remain her nightmare. As a brave survivor she displays her voice through her vivid, colorful and powerful fashion collection:
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| I never wear my glasses. Glad I did because I cried my eyes out... |
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| Touching survivor stories... |
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| This wall exhibit has one hanging earring representing each missing indigenous woman and girl currently missing in the United States... |
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| Excuse the RBF...I really can't help this medical condition... |
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| A wee little less intimidating when I smile, no? |
A few years ago, I saw "Wind River" in theatres. This film raises awareness of the rape + genocide of indigenous women in America. I really recommend watching it if you haven't seen it already. It has the Olsen twin's sister (Elizabeth Olsen) in it...and Jeremy Renner...HUGE fan.
Also, I come bearing resources...
Here are some Hotlines available:
StrongHearts Native Helpline: 1-844-762-8483
National Indigenous Women's Resource Center: 1-855-649-7299
Coalition to Stop Violence Against Native Women: 1-505-243-9199
Haseya Advocate Program: 719-600-3939
National Human Trafficking Hotline: 888-373-7888 or Text 233733
National Sexual Assault Hotline: 800-656-473
Here are some Organizations to learn more:
Sovereign Bodies - https://www.sovereign-bodies.org/
Haseya - https://haseya.org/
National Indigenous Women's Resource Center - https://www.niwrc.org/
Coalition To Stop Violence Against Native Women - https://www.csvanw.org/mmiw
StrongHeart Native Helpline - https://strongheartshelpline.org/
It Starts With Us - http://itstartswithus-mmiw.com/
WeRNative - https://www.wernative.org/my-relationships/sexual-health/lgbt-two-spirit
Urban Indian Health Institute - https://www.uihi.org/
Thanks so much for stopping in and visiting with me. I hope you learned something new.
I still can't believe it's August already! I have some exciting new life experiences planned this month. I hope to share with you soon.
Make it count!
Love,
Kimmie
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