Reflection for May 5 – National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls
The Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) movement is a growing call for justice and recognition of the alarming rates at which Indigenous women and girls in North America go missing or are murdered. Native American and Alaska Native women face disproportionate levels of violence, including sexual assault and murder, far exceeding national averages. This issue is not only a public safety crisis but also a matter of human rights and racial injustice.
One of the biggest challenges in addressing the MMIW crisis is the severe underreporting of cases and the lack of thorough investigation by law enforcement agencies. Many families report that their loved ones’ cases are ignored or not taken seriously. This leads to thousands of women and girls being unaccounted for, their cases left cold. A striking example of this gap is from 2016, when over 5,700 Indigenous women and girls were reported missing, but only 116 were logged in the federal NamUs database. This discrepancy underscores how Indigenous women are often overlooked or misclassified in official records.
Systemic issues within both federal and local law enforcement contribute to the problem. There is often poor communication and coordination between tribal, state, and federal agencies, leading to confusion and stalled investigations. Additionally, longstanding stereotypes and racism against Indigenous communities further delay or even prevent justice. Many women are misclassified racially in reports, making it even more difficult to track the true scope of the crisis.
Another issue lies in the lack of available data and research, especially regarding violence in urban areas. While it’s estimated that violence rates on reservations are up to ten times the national average, around 71% of Indigenous people actually live in urban areas, and there’s very little research on the violence they face there. This gap in knowledge leaves urban Indigenous women particularly vulnerable and unsupported.
Efforts by advocacy groups have brought more visibility to the issue through public awareness events like Red Dress Day, MMIW Day on May 5, and the National Week of Action. These initiatives are helping to bring attention to the need for stronger reporting systems, better law enforcement training, and more federal resources for investigations. Activists, families, and allies continue to fight for the recognition and justice that so many Indigenous women have been denied.
Despite growing awareness, much work still remains. According to government estimates, around 4,200 cases of missing or murdered Indigenous individuals remain unsolved. A major reason for this is the lack of investigative resources, such as access to forensic tools, witness re-interviews, and suspect tracking. Solving this crisis will require not only more resources but also a deeper societal commitment to valuing Indigenous lives and protecting their communities.
Being Native American/ Mother of Native American daughters this is a very important cause and we will continue honoring and being advocates for our Sisters who no longer have a voice. Please help us to continue spreading awareness of what Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women MMIW means.
NO MORE STOLEN SISTERS!
Erica Rios and Jessica Espinoza are members of Morongo Moravian Church and the MCNP Racial Justice Team.
Click here for additional information on MMIW Day from the Racial Justice Team.
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