The Frozen Commons team deeply mourns the passing of Jenny Irene Miller, a gifted Iñupiaq artist, collaborator, and friend. Jenny led our PhotoVoice workshop in Alaska and was preparing to work with communities in Mongolia in the summer of 2025.
In January 2024, we had the honor of traveling with Jenny to the communities of Nikolai and McGrath, AK during the coldest time of year. It was -60 when we boarded this plane – the reality of frozen commons firsthand! Jenny’s generous sharing of her knowledge, skills, and lived experience left a lasting impression—not only on our project and the communities we worked with, but also on each of us.
We remember her for her deep thinking, her unwavering empathy, and the way she used the camera as a tool of empowerment. She had a rare ability to uplift both the photo maker and the subject, illuminating moments of everyday life that often go unnoticed—but are no less meaningful.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to Jenny’s family and friends, to her many communities – artistic, Iñupiaq, LGBTQIA+, two-spirit people, and more, and to everyone mourning this tremendous loss.
Jenny’s legacy continues to inspire us.
From left: Jenny Irene Miller, Shauna BurnSilver, James Temte and Leah Shaffer in McGrath, AK.