Shade of Our Sisters is a powerful reminder of our responsibility to support MMIWG2S+ families and combat systemic oppression

On February 3rd, the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work was honoured to welcome Joyce Carpenter to share the story of her daughter, Patricia Carpenter, who was taken from her in 1992.  

Joyce is a co-creator of Shades of Our Sisters, a project developed by the families of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, Transgender, and Gender-Diverse+ peoples (MMIWGT2S+). An exhibit and online experience, the project pays tribute to the memory of loved ones and the impact of their tragic loss. Audience members engaging with the project are invited to share in the families’ grief, love, and memories and participate in urging Canadians to recognize the injustice of this national tragedy. 

Attendees to the February 3rd event at FIFSW were welcomed to an exhibit in the Student Lounge. Bathed in candlelight, the exhibition showcased photos of Patricia and memorabilia from her childhood, such as the Cabbage Patch dolls she played with as a young girl and the wallet she carried as a young teenager. The photos showed Patricia as a daughter, a big sister and a young mother. 

The event included a screening of a short film about Patricia’s life, created by Shades of Our Sisters producers and team. The screening was followed by moving reflections from Patricia’s mother Joyce.  

Attendees were invited to write a message on a paper feather: either a message they would like to send to families and friends of MMIWG2S+ or what they will do as a social worker to bring awareness to this issue. 

Images from the exhibit and the paper feather messages are now on display on FIFSW’s Art Wall and will remain up until February 27th. 

The collaboration between FIFSW and Shades of Our Sisters was established in part to underscore the role of Social Workers in advocating for change, raising awareness, and addressing systemic injustices affecting Indigenous communities. It serves as a powerful reminder of our responsibility to support MMIWG2S+ families and combat systemic oppression. 

Learn more 

• Visit the Shades of Our Sisters website.
• Read reports from the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. 
• Learn about the Unsolved Cases of Indigenous Women and Girls compiled by the CBC
• Read the booklet [PDF] MMIWG Calls for Justice by the Native Women’s Association of Canada