Missing Murdered Indigenous People
May 5th is observed as Missing Murdered Indigenous Peoples Day, dedicated to raising awareness about the injustices faced by Native women in the United States and Canada. The Cherokee Nation launched a comprehensive campaign to amplify this important cause, utilizing impactful graphics and visual storytelling across social media platforms.
Campaign Strategy
As a member of the communications team, I played a pivotal role in crafting graphics for the Cherokee Nation's MMIP campaign. The campaign aimed to shed light on the issues surrounding missing and murdered Indigenous women, utilizing a prominent symbol of a red hand covering a person's mouth to symbolize silencing and injustice.
Artwork Concept and Execution
The core of the campaign's visual identity featured images of two Cherokee ambassadors, Miss Cherokee and Jr. Miss Cherokee, captured in striking photographs. These portraits were enhanced with a symbolic red handprint across their faces, serving as a powerful visual metaphor. The imagery was complemented by typography bearing impactful messages such as "no more stolen sisters," meticulously chosen by the social media team to resonate with the campaign's message of advocacy and remembrance.
Integration and Impact
The graphics created for the MMIP campaign were not only shared across the Cherokee Nation's social media channels but also integrated into larger displays and tributes organized by Cherokee Nation Business. This multi-platform approach ensured that the message reached a wide audience, fostering community engagement and support for the cause.
Outcome and Reflection:
The MMIP campaign received significant attention and engagement, sparking conversations about Indigenous rights and raising awareness about the often-overlooked issue of missing and murdered Indigenous women. The use of compelling visuals and thoughtful messaging effectively conveyed the urgency and importance of addressing these injustices within the community and beyond.
Conclusion:
Through collaboration with the social media team and leveraging the power of visual storytelling, the Cherokee Nation's MMIP campaign successfully amplified the voices of missing and murdered Indigenous women. By using art and design to provoke thought and action, the campaign contributed to ongoing efforts to achieve justice and recognition for Indigenous communities.
This case study highlights the strategic use of graphic design in advocacy, underscoring the Cherokee Nation's commitment to honoring Missing Murdered Indigenous Peoples Day and advocating for justice and awareness.