GFC MSU screens documentary on missing and murdered indigenous women
"When They Were Here" focuses on the issue of missing and murdered indigenous women
GREAT FALLS – In honor of the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, the Native American Student Group and the Native American Enrichment Center at Great Falls College MSU will host a screening of "When They Were Here," a film by Blackfeet/Shoshone film makers, Ivy and Ivan MacDonald.
The film will be shown Thursday, May 3 at 3 p.m. in room B101 at Great Falls College MSU, 2100 13th Ave. S. The event is free and open to the public. It will highlight the lived experience of Native American women in Montana and invite sharing from participants. The Native American Student group will be giving out red ribbons to wear during the GFC graduation ceremony on May 5. Red Ribbons signify the plight of indigenous women with hopes of raising awareness of this issue.
The documentary focuses on the issue of missing and murdered indigenous women, which plagues nearly all native communities.
The rates of violence that Native American women face are disproportionality higher than women of other ethnic groups. Almost 85 percent of Native American women will face some form of violence in their lives, according to a study funded by the National Institute of Justice. Fifty-six percent will face sexual violence, and 55.5% will face physical violence.
"When They Were Here" aims to educate non-natives about this pandemic.
"So much of what has already been done does not include indigenous points of view," the film makers said. "This film will allow for these women to have voices and will include the voices of loved ones. We hope the film will allow the women to be remembered."
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