Murder is the third-leading cause of death for Indigenous women in the United States. Four out of five Native women will experience violence in their lifetime, a rate 10 times higher than any other group. A report by the Federal Bureau of Investigations regarding 2024 Missing American Indian (AI) and Alaska Native (AN) Persons Data recorded 10,248 incidents of individuals going missing. 5,614 of those missing were women.
The numbers are shocking, but they also illustrate a pervasive social problem in which Indigenous women and girls are treated with less than human dignity. The loss of these relatives who are sisters, mothers, daughters, aunties, granddaughters, etc. is felt across Indian Country, throughout every tribal community and on the campuses of tribal colleges and universities (TCUs). In addition to women, our male and two-spirit relatives also disappear at rates much higher than other groups. And nearly half of Native men have also experienced domestic abuse. The American Indian College Fund has worked to elevate the efforts of Native students and advocates over the years, and there is no better time to reflect and raise awareness than on May 5, Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Relatives Day (MMIWGR).
From faculty and staff to students, most of those present at TCUs have a relative, friend, or colleague who has disappeared or been murdered. That is why we see students using every tool available, from art to fellowships, to raise awareness.
Deshawna Anderson (White Mountain Ndeé [Apache]/Apsáalooke [Crow]) was a student at Little Big Horn College when she designed the blanket “Courage to Bloom” in honor of Missing and Murdered Indigenous People. Her design symbolizes finding a good path while acknowledging the pitfalls, showing both the opportunities and dangers of life.
Former Indigenous Visionaries Fellow Nical Glasses developed the Indigenous Women’s Resilience Project: a three-pronged series of workshops focused on safety and training, self-care and reflection, and information/resources.
Shanda Poitra (Anishinaabe/Ojibwe Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa) is a College Fund scholar and student at Turtle Mountain College, as well as a nationally recognized leader of the first Indigenous-led IMPACT self-defense program in the country, which she adapted for her home community of Turtle Mountain and other Tribes. Turtle Mountain IMPACT holds a community event on MMIWGR Day. Attendees of all ages are invited to participate in activities including learning self-defense techniques, sewing medicine bags, sharing stories of their own experiences or that of a loved one, and joining a prayer walk.
While not everyone can easily access MMIWGR Day events, you can still show your support for Indigenous people by making the issue of their safety visible. One easy way is to wear red—the only color spirits can see in some Native cultures. You can also share your knowledge and stories, including statistics and more personal experiences, if you are willing.
Native people are speaking up and doing the work to defend themselves and their relatives. Until every Native relative is safe, no one should be silent.
