D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai’s Emmys Speech: Shining a Light on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women
On an historic night at the Emmy Awards, D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai, a renowned Indigenous actor and activist, took the stage to accept an award for his role in the groundbreaking series, “Rise“.
A Powerful Moment
As he stepped up to the microphone, the audience fell silent, sensing that Woon-A-Tai was about to use his moment in the spotlight for something greater than himself.
Shining a Light
“Ladies and gentlemen, I stand before you tonight as an Indigenous man, and I want to take this moment to acknowledge the countless Indigenous women who are not with us here today,” Woon-A-Tai began. The audience leaned in, sensing the gravity of his words.
Bringing Attention to the Crisis
“For too long, our sisters have been going missing and being murdered at alarming rates. It’s time that we shine a light on this crisis and demand action from our governments, our communities, and ourselves,” he continued.
A Call to Action
“We cannot stand idly by while our women and girls face such unimaginable violence. We must come together to raise awareness, provide resources, and advocate for policy changes that will protect them,” Woon-A-Tai urged.
Creating Change
“I ask each of you, no matter where you are in the world, to join me in this effort. Together, we can create change and ensure that every Indigenous woman feels safe and valued,” he concluded, leaving the audience inspired and committed to taking action.
I. Introduction
First and foremost, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude for being recognized with an Emmy award. This acknowledgment is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and passion that goes into bringing stories to life each day. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to work with an incredible team, producers, and colleagues who have supported me every step of the way.
Acknowledging the Significance of this Platform
Receiving this award is not just an individual achievement, but a reminder of the power and significance of the platform we have been given. With this recognition comes an even greater responsibility to continue sharing stories that matter and making a positive impact in the world.
The Opportunity to Make a Difference
The media industry has the unique ability to reach vast audiences and shape public discourse. We have the power to inform, entertain, and inspire. I am committed to using this platform to promote understanding, empathy, and social justice.
Acknowledging the Team’s Role in this Success
I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge the crucial role that my team has played in making this possible. Their talent, creativity, and dedication have brought our stories to life in a way that resonates with audiences. I am truly grateful for their contributions.
A Personal and Collective Commitment to Change
This award is a reminder that there is still much work to be done. I am committed to continuing this journey, both personally and collectively, as we strive to create a more just and equitable world. Together, we can use the power of storytelling to effect change and make a difference in people’s lives.
Recognition of the Crisis
Overview of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW)
The Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) issue is a pressing human rights concern that affects various indigenous communities across North America. This crisis defines the disproportionate representation of Indigenous women and girls in reports of violence, particularly those who go missing or are murdered. The numbers are alarming: the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) reported that between 1980 and 2012, over 1,180 Indigenous women went missing or were murdered in Canada alone. This statistic does not include cases from the United States and other parts of North America.
Importance of recognizing this as a national crisis
Recognizing the MMIW crisis as a national issue is crucial for several reasons. First, it impacts numerous Indigenous communities across North America – from rural areas to urban centers. Secondly, the scale of violence against Indigenous women and girls demands solidarity and awareness on a grander scale. By acknowledging this as a national crisis, we can begin to address the underlying issues that contribute to these tragedies.
Affects various communities across North America
The MMIW crisis transcends borders, touching the lives of many Indigenous communities in North America. In Canada, First Nations, Inuit, and Métis women are disproportionately affected by this issue. Meanwhile, in the United States, Native American women face similar risks – a 2016 report by the Urban Indian Health Institute revealed that Native women experience murder rates more than ten times the national average.
Call for solidarity and awareness
By acknowledging the MMIW crisis as a national issue, we can foster a sense of unity and solidarity among communities and allies. Raising awareness about this issue is essential to not only honor the lives lost but also to encourage policymakers, lawmakers, and advocacy groups to take action. Together, we can push for change and work towards a future where Indigenous women and girls are safe from violence and harm.
I The Human Impact of MMIW is a deeply painful and complex issue that goes beyond statistics and data.
Personal stories of loss and struggle
Families, friends, and communities have been torn apart by the MMIW crisis. Each story is unique yet shares a common thread of loss, pain, and unanswered questions. The emotional toll on those left behind is immeasurable. They are forced to live with the constant fear of the unknown, the grief of a loved one taken too soon, and the frustration of a system that seems to care little about their pain.
Discussing systemic issues contributing to this crisis
Historical trauma and colonization have played a significant role in the disproportionate number of missing and murdered indigenous women. Generations of systemic oppression, forced assimilation, and violence have left deep scars that continue to affect indigenous communities today. Lack of resources for indigenous communities persists, leaving them vulnerable and at risk. Inadequate housing, inadequate healthcare, and limited access to education and employment opportunities all contribute to the cycle of violence and marginalization.
The need for justice and accountability
Increased investigation and law enforcement efforts are crucial to address the MMIW crisis. Survivors, families of the missing, and advocates have been calling for a more robust response from law enforcement agencies, including proper funding, training, and resources. Advocating for policies to address MMIW is essential to prevent future tragedies. This includes funding for community-led initiatives, policies that prioritize the safety and wellbeing of indigenous women, and a renewed commitment to addressing historical trauma and systemic inequality.
Shining a Light on Solutions
Collaboration and community involvement
Empowering indigenous communities to address the issue
The first step towards solving the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) is to involve the indigenous communities themselves in the process. This means empowering them with the resources and support they need to take action against this issue. By giving them a voice and allowing them to lead, we can ensure that their perspectives and experiences are at the forefront of any solutions.
Partnering with organizations, advocacy groups, and allies
Collaboration is key in addressing the MMIW crisis. Partnering with indigenous organizations, advocacy groups, and allies can help amplify their voices, provide much-needed resources, and bring about systemic change. These partnerships can also help build a stronger network of support for indigenous communities, both domestically and internationally.
Utilizing media and art to raise awareness
Documentaries, films, and TV shows
Media can be a powerful tool in raising awareness about the MMIW crisis. Documentaries, films, and TV shows that shine a light on this issue can help educate the public and bring attention to the facts and figures behind the statistics. By telling the stories of indigenous women and their families, we can humanize this issue and build a greater sense of empathy and understanding.
Visual arts, music, and literature
Art can also be an effective way to raise awareness about the MMIW crisis. Visual arts, music, and literature that address this issue can help spark conversations and bring attention to the experiences of indigenous women. By using their creative voices, artists can help amplify the stories of those who have been silenced for too long and bring about change through artistic expression.
Policy changes and legislative action
Encouraging the passage of the Savanna’s Act (S. 227)
Legislative action is necessary to address the root causes of the MMIW crisis. The Savanna’s Act (S. 227) is a bipartisan bill that seeks to address the issue of missing and murdered indigenous women by improving data collection, increasing collaboration between law enforcement and tribal communities, and providing resources for victims’ services and community-based grants. By encouraging the passage of this bill and similar legislation, we can help bring about real change.
Supporting ongoing efforts to address MMIW in the US and Canada
There are already ongoing efforts to address the MMIW crisis in both the US and Canada. Supporting these initiatives is crucial for bringing about real change. Whether it’s through volunteering, donating resources, or advocating for policy changes, every little bit helps. By coming together as a community and working towards a common goal, we can make a real difference in the lives of indigenous women and their families.
Closing Remarks
We have come to the end of this engaging and enlightening event, but our work is far from over. Acknowledging the significant progress we have made in shedding light on
challenges
that lie ahead. Let us not forget the importance of continuing this crucial conversation in our own communities, as we strive to foster change and understanding.
We would like to express our deepest gratitude to the
industry
and
audience
for their unwavering support throughout this journey. Your recognition of these stories has given them the validation they deserve, and we are committed to using this platform as a catalyst for change. Let us not forget that each one of us has the power to make a difference, and together we can create a world where diversity, inclusion, and justice are upheld.
As we conclude this event, let us remember the
lessons learned
, the connections made, and the commitment to taking action. We encourage you to carry forward the conversations started here and continue the dialogue in your own circles. Together, we can make a difference.
