In Memory of Jenny Irene Miller

Native Movement statement on the passing of our board member and friend Jenny Irene Miller

The sudden passing of our board member and dear friend, Jenny Irene Miller, has been shocking and heartbreaking to our entire team.

Jenny's Iñupiaq name is Wiagañmiu and she was born in Sitŋasuaq (Nome, Alaska). She broadened the expression of both Alaska Native and Queer identity, making it possible for more people to be our authentic selves. In her own words:

"Being grounded in my Iñupiaq culture has given me strength and propelled me into my work around decolonizing gender and sexuality."

Jenny served on our board for years with great dedication to our mission. Before joining the board, she was a key member of our communications team, where her creativity and passion helped shape our organization's voice. Her work has left a lasting mark on our organization and on all of her Native Movement family and collaborators.

Jenny was a role-model and mentor for LGBTQ+ and Two-Spirit youth. She prioritized creating safe spaces for the community, and in particular for the Alaska Native trans and two-spirit community, spaces where people could feel safe and supported in being themselves. Jenny had a deep commitment to justice for people and Mother Earth.

The art and photography world is also sustaining a great loss with Jenny's passing. Her photography and artistic perspective was celebrated here in Alaska and shared across the world. Her images captured the spirit of people and place with such care and intention.

Jenny was a cherished friend to so many, and her kindness, generosity, humor, and wisdom will be missed dearly. In this time of shock and grief, we send our heartfelt sympathy and love to Jenny's wife, family, and friends. We know that words can do little to ease such a great loss; our hearts are with her loved ones throughout the state -- Nome, Fairbanks, and Anchorage in particular.

We will share information about memorial services and ways to honor Jenny's memory as that information becomes available. During this hard time, we encourage those who knew her to reach out and support each other; share memories of Jenny. Through these shared stories, we can find comfort and keep her spirit alive in our hearts and work.

With broken hearts and love for her entire family,

Native Movement Board, Advisory Board, and Staff

Quotes from her Native Movement family

"Jenny was not only an active board member of Native Movement, she was also a dear friend. As the executive director of Native Movement, I knew her to be a committed, thoughtful, and very intentional board member. She took her role seriously and made sure LGBTQ and two-spirit rights and safety were at the heart of our work. As a friend, she was one of the most kind and caring. She had a sense of humor all her own, one that only an artist introvert could really hone and deliver. I am so lucky to have known her. I will miss her deeply." - Enei Begaye

"It is hard to internalize the sudden and devastating loss of Jenny. She had gentle yet profound strength and resolve in her work, direction, and contributions. Her calming and accepting presence was felt in the spaces she entered. She was deeply caring, insightful, and carried an inner knowing. For sure, she will be dearly missed." - Malinda Chase, fellow board member and friend

"Jenny was such a bright and kind human doing good work for the world, a good friend who always reminded me to be thoughtful of others and caring even when it's hard to be. Every time I had the chance to be with her, it felt like the simple joys were more clearly present and laughter was easy to find. I'll sorely miss her friendship." - Tikaan Galbreath, fellow board member and friend

"Jenny Irene was a true luminary in every sense of the word. They saw the beauty in others and intentionally created safe spaces for our LGBQT+ relatives. Through their photography, they amplified understanding and compassion to a broad audience. They touched many lives with their love, humor, and generous support of those around them. We are all so heartbroken to hear of this great loss to our community." - Princess Johnson, fellow board member and friend

"Anyone who knew Jenny knows how special she was. She had such a deep love for her community that resonated in her story telling. Myself and others have learned so much from her, she was generous in sharing knowledge. Her patience and encouragement was rooted in the belief that we all have stories worth telling. I know her light will live on through those she influenced. Hagwil yaan, walk gently." - Marilyn Denton

"Jenny was a wonderful friend of mine since college, and she was my hero and inspiration to become a photographer. She was a magical artist and trailblazer in her portraits of Alaska Native peoples and their homelands. She was a brilliant teacher and supporter, and she gave me the greatest encouragement. She was a beautiful human being in so many ways that I can't put into words. I will be learning from her life and artwork and love for community for the rest of my life. I will miss her always." - Kai Monture

"It was easy to love Jenny. I felt peace in her presence. Which is a hard thing to accomplish in the work and lives that we live. She always made me feel special and beautiful. She always made room for kindness. My heart is with her wife, family and our community." - Misty Nickoli