November 14, 2024

Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG)

FACTS:
“The National Crime Information Center reports that, in 2016, there were 5,712 reports of missing American Indian and Alaska Native women and girls, though the US Department of Justice’s federal missing person database, NamUs, only logged 116 cases.”

Native Americans today face some extraordinary challenges. These statistics from the Urban Indian Health Institute were compiled from a survey of 71 U.S. cities in 2016. The numbers speak for themselves: Native American women make up a significant portion of the missing and murdered cases. Not only is the murder rate ten times higher than the national average for women living on reservations but murder is the third leading cause of death for Native women. These statistics reveal a painful reality of neglect and crisis.

The Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) movement was established to raise awareness, demand justice, and advocate for policy changes to improve reporting, investigation, and support systems for Indigenous victims and their families. The goal of MMIWG is not only to end the violence but also to reclaim and protect the rights, safety, and dignity of Indigenous people in their pursuit of justice and equity.

THE MMIW RED HAND:

A red hand over the mouth has become the symbol of a growing movement, the MMIW movement. It stands for all the missing sisters whose voices are not heard. It stands for the silence of the media and law enforcement in the midst of this crisis. It stands for the oppression and subjugation of Native women who are now rising up to say #NoMoreStolenSisters.

GET INVOVLED:

Want to join the MMIW movement, but not sure where to start? Get your free MMIW social media toolkit and start sharing and educating today.

RESOURCES:

Learn more about Native American Heritage Month.