TikTok recognizes Indigenous content creator from North, Bay, Ont., for her advocacy work

An advocate for missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit people from North Bay, Ont., is among nine Indigenous content creators on TikTok to be recognized by the social media network for National Indigenous History Month.

Vanessa Brousseau says she started using TikTok during the COVID-19 pandemic to view other people's content, but soon started making her own.

Now that her two sons are adults, she says she found herself with more free time to share her work on the platform.

Brousseau's sister, Pamela Holopainen, was 22 years old when she went missing in 2003 from Timmins, Ont.

Since then, Brousseau has been an outspoken advocate for missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit people, calling for governments and police services to do better.

"The majority of my content is in regards to missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit, as my sister Holopainen has been missing for over 20 years," Brousseau said.

"However, I realize that's a really hard subject to be listening to constantly. So I also throw in some of my art, which is also art to create change."

Brousseau, who is Inuk but grew up in Timmins, uses TikTok to educate people about her culture.

Her artwork often includes red dresses which have become the symbol for missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit people.

Through TikTok, she says she has been able to build a community with other Indigenous people, and allies, around the world.

I've never seen a platform with such a big community for Indigenous people.- Vanessa Brousseau

"I have a lot of support from Ireland, Finland, Australia, New Zealand," she said. "The places I'm able to reach are unbelievable."

Her advocacy on the platform has also opened up other opportunities, including sharing her story at universities and meeting with Gov. Gen. Mary Simon at Rideau Hall.

Brousseau says TikTok has done an excellent job at supporting and promoting Indigenous content creators.

"I've never seen a platform with such a big community for Indigenous people," she said.

"And I'm grateful for that because we get to connect and, and be a family, even though we're living so far apart. And it's awonderful feeling."

Danielle Morgan, the communications lead at TikTok Canada, says the company launched Indigenous Visionary Voices to put a spotlight on contributions of the Indigenous community and creators on the platform.

"This year's honourees are making an impact by using their voice and community they've built on TikTok to inspire and uplift through their advocacy, artistry and storytelling," Morgan said in a press release.

"By highlighting their stories, we aim to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of historical and contemporary Indigenous cultures and life."