If I Go Missing

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
• The best Canadian comics of 2019
• 35 books to read for National Indigenous History Month
• Here are the 2021 Red Maple Award finalists

More about Brianna Jonnie

Brianna Jonnie speaks with the media after her meeting with Mayor Brian Bowman

8 years ago

Duration 2:23

Winnipeg teenager Brianna Jonnie, who wrote an emotional letter that implores police, government officials and media to give MMIW cases as much weight as when non-indigenous people go missing, met with Mayor Brian Bowman on Monday.

'You can do better': Indigenous teen calls on Winnipeg police to make MMIW a priority

8 years ago

Duration 1:52

An indigenous girl in Winnipeg has a message for police chief Devon Clunis: You can do better.