The photos were taken Sept. 30 at Elks Fair Grounds. (submitted photo/Alayna Calladine)

By Derek Cornet

local photography

Photoshoot raising awareness about MMIW

Oct 6, 2020 | 5:00 PM

A photoshoot involving staff members at Piwapan Women’s Centre is designed to bring attention to missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls (MMIW).

Local photographer Alayna Calladine and Piwapan childcare worker Storm Bougie came together last month to collaborate on the project, which occurred Sept. 30 at the Elks Fair Grounds. Calladine mentioned the two of them discussed the vision for the photos before the shoot and also exchanged ideas.

“I was absolutely honoured, and I agreed immediately because it’s something I’ve been wanting to do for a while,” she said. “It meant so much for me they even considered me as a photographer. I really wanted to do my part in raising and spreading awareness for MMIW. For me, it was a way to give a voice to these women whose voices were stolen from them.”

Calladine noted she’s happy with how the photos turned out, adding she was feeling emotional during the editing process. She also said she was proud of the women who took part.

“I would love to … continue to do this and take part in spreading awareness,” Calladine said. “I would like to plan something similar at some point in the future.”

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Piwapan Executive Director Karen Sanderson called the photos powerful and said staff members were impressed. She explained the images will now be used for an online video and posters could be printed as well.

The images will be used in an online video. (submitted photo/Alayna Calladine)

Participants are Piwapan Women’s Centre employees. (submitted photo/Alayna Calladine)

“We plan to do one for the public if anyone wants to come out and do the same kind of photoshoot with us,” Sanderson said. “That’s the next step we’re going to do.”

Those who would like to participate in the project are asked to contact Bougie at 1-306-425-3900.

On Oct. 4, Piwapan also hosted its annual Sisters In Spirit Walk to boost awareness about MMIW. The walk began at the Lac La Ronge Indian band office and ended at the urban reserve in La Ronge.

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derek.cornet@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @saskjourno