In February, I received a call from Vice about a documentary series they were working on with Levi’s. It would be episode three of ten for the 2020 Project — exploring how youth are using their platform, and their voices, to push up against the establishment, and they were looking for a behind-the-scenes photographer.
The episode would highlight Rosalie Fish, a Native American runner, member of the Cowlitz Tribe, graduate of Muckleshoot Tribal School and a current freshman at Iowa Central Community College. Rosalie made intentional waves in her community when she painted the poignant red handprint over her mouth during her state track meet. The symbol, calling attention to the missing and murdered indigenous women epidemic, was inspired by Jordan Marie Brings Three White Horses Daniel’s symbolic 2019 Boston Marathon race.
There were so many meaningful moments during the two-day shoot — taking place on the coldest days in February. Meeting both of these women will be unforgettable. Sitting in Rosalie’s dorm room listening to her share gifts from her grandfather to help her stay strong… seeing Rosalie and Jordan meet for the first time… listening to them talk about the strength of women in their tribe, the historical prominence placed on the shoulders of their matriarchs, the pressure and need to continuously fight for their community and the sheer terror of a community ravaged over and over again… and thinking of my own matriarchal unknowns of a great-grandmother adopted or intertwined with the Native American community… With each ellipsis I hope an answer will come or a feeling of resolution will appear and it doesn’t.
Thank you to Matthew at Vice for finding me and the Creative team for falling in love with my work. And to the incredible director Shanndiin Tome for telling stories that matter. I believe in you. All of you.
You can watch episode three Missing here.
