If I Go Missing
CBC Books | | Posted: October 15, 2020 3:30 PM | Last Updated: October 15, 2020
Brianna Jonnie with Nahanni Shingoose, art by Nshannacappo
Combining graphic fiction and non-fiction, this young adult graphic novel serves as a window into one of the unique dangers of being an Indigenous teen in Canada today.
The text of the book is derived from excerpts of a letter written to the Winnipeg Chief of Police by 14-year-old Brianna Jonnie — a letter that went viral and was also the basis of a documentary film. In her letter, Jonnie calls out the authorities for neglecting to immediately investigate missing Indigenous people and urges them to "not treat me as the Indigenous person I am proud to be," if she were to be reported missing.
Indigenous artist Neal Shannacappo provides the artwork for the book. Through his illustrations he imagines a situation in which a young Indigenous woman does disappear, portraying the reaction of her community, her friends, the police and media.
An author's note at the end of the book provides context for young readers about Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls in Canada. (From Lorimer Children & Teens)
- Brianna Jonnie, teen who urged police to 'do better' for MMIW, meets Mayor Bowman
- If I Go Missing tells story of teen's fight for missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls
- 'You can do better': Indigenous teen calls on Winnipeg police to make MMIW a priority
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