'If I Go Missing': A Graphic Novel That Speaks Truth to Indigenous Injustices

In the world we live in, voices often go unheard. Brianna Jonnie’s courage to send a letter to the Winnipeg police stands as a beacon of truth and resilience. Her words, captured in the graphic novel If I Go Missing, shine a spotlight on the harsh reality that far too many Indigenous girls must deal with, it is the reality that has been overshadowed by systematic negligence and indifference.

 

Brianna is an Ojibwe woman from the Roseau River First Nation in Manitoba. At the age of 14, Brianna sent this emotional and heartbreaking letter. In the letter, she confronts the disturbing and painful statistics and how biased the police system is that haunts her community. The statistics make her more likely to disappear, more likely to be murdered, more likely to be assaulted.

 

These stats are so scary to think about because I know that it’s not just a few communities that are included in these statistics, it's every Indigenous community across the country. Indigenous students at Shawnigan are still a part of these statistics and it's such a scary thought to us.

 

Her words are a plea for visibility and justice. She demands that if she ever goes missing, her identity not be reduced to mere statistics or stereotypes. Brianna calls for immediate action, challenging the societal norms that devalue the lives of Indigenous girls and women.

 

The graphic novel doesn’t just tell Brianna’s story but amplifies her voice and message. It captures the essence of her advocacy and the urgent need for change. Brianna’s narrative is woven with the fabric of broader issues facing Indigenous communities: the ongoing crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) in Canada and beyond.

 

The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples serves as an opening, highlighting the obligations governments have to protect the rights of Indigenous peoples, particularly women and children. Brianna's letter underscores the distinct reality that these protections are often inadequate or ignored.

 

Her call for action is a plea for systemic change. She challenges law enforcement, media, and society to recognize the humanity and worth of every Indigenous girl. She demands that the response to a missing Indigenous person be swift, relentless, and free from the biases that prolong injustice.

The dedication in Brianna’s book, "To all those who feel invisible – you are valued, and you are loved," speaks a universal truth that resonates deeply with readers of all backgrounds. This heartfelt message transcends ethnicity and geography, touching hearts and minds across diverse communities. Brianna’s courageous advocacy serves as a testament to the resilience of Indigenous communities worldwide, who persistently strive for visibility, dignity, and justice.

 

Ultimately, If I Go Missing is more than a graphic novel; it is a testament to the resilience and strength of Indigenous communities worldwide. Brianna's courage in speaking truth to power inspires solidarity and empowers readers to amplify Indigenous voices demanding justice.

 

In Brianna's story, we find not only a call to action but also a profound reminder of the inherent worth of every individual. Her voice, and the voices she represents, deserve to be heard, cherished, and celebrated.