In response to the family’s actions and demands for justice following the disappearance and murder of Hanna Harris at the Northern Cheyenne Reservation in 2013, the Montana Congressional Delegation led the work to pass the first Senate resolution declaring May 5th as the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Native Women and Girls (MMIWG) in 2017.

Despite this declaration on May 5th, 2017, Native women continue to be murdered at alarming rates. In response, Native families and Indigenous communities across Indian country, Alaska, and Hawaii are calling for justice and reforms to dismantle the systemic barriers impacting the safety of Native women and to increase support for protections as defined by Indigenous voices, languages, and teachings.

We encourage our community to review the incredible, comprehensive resources provided by the National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center and identify ways that your agency, organization, institution, or individual practice can support this year’s collective efforts for the week of action.