SILENCED LIVES
Voices of the River of Grass’ exhibit, «Silenced Lives,» sheds light on the issue of Missing and Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP) awareness. This exhibit takes place on May 5th, the day dedicated to raising attention for MMIP, and aims to bring alertness to the harsh reality of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples. The exhibit features 8 Indigenous artists from various tribal lands and ancestries, including Miccosukee, Seminole, Mohawk, Yavapai-Apache Nation, and others of Indigenous ancestry, showcasing the diversity of Indigenous cultures and experiences. The exhibit will take place at the Miccosukee Village, providing a unique and culturally significant location for this important exhibit.
«Silenced Lives» highlights the importance of the issue of Missing and Murdered Indigenous People through art. The use of art as a medium for social change has been a powerful tool throughout history, and this exhibit continues this tradition. Through their unique styles and artistic expressions, these 8 Indigenous artists participating in the exhibit will share their perspectives on the issue of MMIW, creating a platform for discussion, education, and action.
The issue of MMIP is a tragedy that affects Indigenous communities in Turtle Island and worldwide. The exhibit «Silenced Lives» serves as a call to action for society to acknowledge and address the ongoing injustices faced by Indigenous peoples. Through the power of art, the exhibit will help amplify the voices of the Indigenous artists and the MMIP movement, bringing attention to this critical issue and ultimately promoting justice for those impacted by this tragedy. This exhibit provides a space for people to come together, learn, and honor the lives of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples.
It is essential to recognize and honor all families and relatives affected by the tragedy of Missing and Murdered Indigenous People. These individuals have experienced immense loss and trauma, and it is crucial to acknowledge and validate their experiences. Honoring these families and relatives demonstrates our commitment to creting a more just and equitable society for all. The exhibit «Silenced Lives» provides a space to do just that, to honor the lives of those impacted by MMIP, and to advocate for justice and accountability. As a community, we must stand together in solidarity and work towards a future where Indigenous people can live safely and with dignity.
The involvement of MMIWHOISMISSING in the exhibit «Silenced Lives» adds an essential dimension to the exhibit, as it provides valuable information about the issue of Missing and Murdered Indigenous People. Disseminating this information is crucial to raising awareness and promoting justice for Indigenous communities impacted by MMIP. Through the efforts of organizations like MMIWHOISMISSING, we can continue to shed light on this critical social epidemic and work towards creating a safer and more just world for all people.
Camisha Cedartree, Seminole Nation of Oklahoma
Glen Samson Tiger, Miccosukee Tribe of Florida
Alejandra Rubio, Yavapai-Apache Nation
Kit Thomas, Mohawk Tribe
Cayla Willie, Miccosukee Tribe of Florida
Aaliyah Johnson, Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas
Victoria Johnson,
Lissette Morales, Nahua
KIT THOMAS
MOHAWK
As a Two-Spirit Haudenosaunee artist, I am deeply connected to the stories and struggles of MMIWG2S (Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2-Spirit People). Through my artwork, I aim to honor the memory of those who have been taken from us and to bring attention to the ongoing crisis. My work is a reflection of the resilience and strength of Indigenous communities, and I hope to inspire others to join in the fight for justice and healing. As a Two-Spirit, I also seek to challenge the gender and sexuality norms imposed by colonialism and to celebrate the diversity and beauty of Indigenous cultures. My work is a tribute to the spirits of the MMIWG2S and a call to action for all of us to stand together in solidarity and love.
CAMISHA CEDARTREE
SEMINOLE NATION OF OKLAHOMA
I became exposed to art by seeing my late mom always drawing and occasionally creating things like centerpieces for family functions and sewing various outfits for me to wear. She was my inspiration to be open to making my own art, but I didn’t realize it when I was younger.
ALEJANDRA RUBIO
Yavapai-Apache Nation
Hello my name is Alejandra Rubio, I’m a Nevada-based professional photographer, a member of the Yavapai-Apache Nation, located in Camp Verde, Az.
I specialize in portraits, photojournalism, and mix-media. I often embed myself into different cultures and subcultures and use my images to share their voices, experiences and inflections, providing viewers with a respectful glimpse into their unique worldviews.
I have exhibited in community spaces and galleries in Nevada, and have been published in local newspapers, which include First Nation Focus, Northern Nevada Business Weekly, and Nevada Appeal.
VICTORIA JOHNSON
From powwows and cultural events to portraits, alot of my work has put a huge emphasis on indigenous people, their community and culture. I have photographed people from the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe as well as from other tribal communities over the past several years. Traveling to Indigenous powwows and watching my own daughters’ dance has had a huge impact on my photography. Both of my daughters’ are indigenous. There is nothing like seeing the beautiful beadwork and dance clothes worn by each dancer and hearing the amazing songs sung by each drum group.
GLENN SAMSON TIGER
MICCOSUKEE TRIBE
My name is Glenn Samson Tiger, and I am a member of the Miccosukee Tribe and representing the Panther Clan. I thank the Creator for giving and allowing us Nature for healing and enjoying the natural high it gives us, as well as capturing the moments through the lens of our eyes with technology. As humans are limited in setting up a picture of Nature, the Earth itself always aligns itself for rare and beautiful moments to capture, and timing is one of the keys I use in my Photography Hobby. I implement together to my best results of showing the Power of Nature through the lens.
AALIYAH JOHNSON
Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas
Aaliyah Johnson is 15 years old and an enrolled citizen of the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas. She’s photographed various powwows and events for several years. She’s a monthly contributor to Native Hoop Magazine and has been featured in PBS American Portrait.
LISETTE MORALES
NAHUA
«When the sun goes down, God! My heart aches, my heart aches. When the sun goes down, my heart, my heart is dying. Sun! Sun!»
— Ancient Nawat Song
Land Acknowledgement: I am honored and privileged to be able to live and work on lands that have been cared for by many indigenous communities of the past, present, and future — including the Council of the Original Miccosukee Simanolee Nation Aboriginal Peoples, the Seminole Tribe of Florida, and the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida.
ANDREA SAM
MICCOSUKEE TRIBE
I was created to create and destroy. I created life, but I destroyed myself. I create opportunities for others but hold myself back. My world name is Cayla and I am no one but I am everyone. My world is a deafening silence or chaotic music either way my inner self is what drives me. Bringing my life to a halfway of a checkpoint Id like nothing more than to just do nothing. My inner voices constantly reminding me of my place in this world so I will not stop until I die.