ARTIST BIO

Missy Whiteman (Arapaho and Kickapoo) understands her work to be a voice for her ancestors—to educate and to foster better understanding among all peoples as well as to promote change in Native and non-Native other communities. While based in part on traditional ways and ideas, her art also addresses themes of loss in relation to larger cultural forces.

An Indigenous media advocate, photographer, visual artist and documentary filmmaker, Missy originally engaged in art through acting. After witnessing a lack of role models for Native youth and inaccurate history and representation being taught, she pursued filmmaking and became a media artist.

Today Missy keeps Indigenous stories and histories alive as an educator and mentor. Much of her work centers around Native women, domestic violence, and healing. Missy uses media as a tool to tell her stories, to heal, be inspired, and communicate the Indigenous perspective.