Surviving the City, besides being a beautiful graphic novel and story, is a good reminder of a lesser known issue that plagues women in the United States.
Tasha Spillett’s graphic novel debut is a story about Miikwan and Dez who are best friends. Miikwan is Anishinaabe; Dez is Inninew. Together, the teens navigate the challenges of growing up in an urban landscape – they’re so close, they even completed their Berry Fast together. However, when Dez’s grandmother becomes too sick, Dez is told she can’t stay with her anymore. With the threat of a group home looming, Dez can’t bring herself to go home and disappears. Miikwan is devastated, and the wound of her missing mother resurfaces. Will Dez’s community find her before it’s too late? Will Miikwan be able to cope if they don’t?
Native American women are among the most marginalized populations in the US. They face a far greater risk of facing racial or gender-based violence, being murdered, or going missing. If you are interested in this topic, or are uninformed visit the NWAC website – the statistics are chilling.
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