MMIW: Healing Begins with a Voice
Written by: Chenoa Candy, Youth Representative/DV Advocate Assistant

 

Every May, communities across North America come together to observe Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) Awareness Month. This month is dedicated to shedding light on the critical and often overlooked issue of violence against Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit individuals. It’s a time to honor those who have been lost, support the families left behind, and advocate for systemic change. Using our voices, individually and collectively, is crucial in this fight for justice and awareness.

The Crisis at a Glance:

Indigenous women in the United States and Canada face disproportionately high rates of violence, including homicide and disappearance. According to the National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center (NIWRC), native women suffer from violence at a rate two and a half times greater than that of any other population in the United States. One in three Native women will be raped in her lifetime; four in five will be victims of a violent assault.These figures highlight a systemic problem rooted in historical injustices, discrimination, and jurisdiction gaps.

Colonial History and Trauma: 

The legacy of colonization has left deep scars, including the disruption of social structures and traditional roles of Indigenous women. Historical trauma, fueled by centuries of violence and discrimination, continues to impact Indigenous communities. Policies such as forced removal, residential schools, and the destruction of traditional livelihoods have all contributed to the wounds that Indigenous communities were exposed to and now continue to heal from. 

Jurisdictional Gaps: 

Complex jurisdictional issues between federal, state, and tribal authorities often lead to ineffective law enforcement responses in cases of missing and murdered Indigenous individuals. This confusion and lack of coordination can result in delayed investigations and justice and can create confusion over which authority has the responsibility to investigate and prosecute crimes.

Systemic Racism and Discrimination: 

Bias and racism within law enforcement and judicial systems contribute to the lack of attention and urgency given to cases involving Indigenous women. It also contributes to significant underreporting and misclassification of cases involving Indigenous women.The lack of comprehensive, standardized practices of data collection make it difficult to understand the full scope of the problem and to allocate resources effectively.

Stories Behind the Statistics:

According to the National Crime Information Center, in 2016, there were 5,712 reports of missing American Indian and Alaska Native women and girls, but only 116 of the cases were logged into the national missing persons database. Each of these statistics represents an individual with a story, a family, and a community left in anguish. Countless missing and murdered Indigenous women are being forgotten and their names turned into numbers. Even those numbers are being forgotten making this issue seem smaller than the catastrophe it really is. These women and girls are not just numbers; they are daughters, mothers, sisters, and friends. Their disappearances and deaths leave a void that deeply affects their communities.

The Path to Healing:

The issue of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) is a critical and deeply painful topic, and the path to healing is sure to be difficult. This path often begins with justice and accountability. Healing can also include reconnecting with traditional practices, languages, and knowledge systems to strengthen cultural identity and resilience. 

Using Our Voices:

The crisis of MMIW is not just an Indigenous issue; it is a human rights issue. It affects us all, cutting across communities, destroying the fabric of our shared humanity. It is a call to action for everyone to stand with Indigenous communities in demanding accountability, protection, healing and recognition of those who are still missing and murdered. The voices of Indigenous women need to be heard, and their lives must be valued and protected. Let’s raise our voices for the missing and murdered indigenous women who had their voices taken. Going forward we must say their names, tell their stories, and ensure they are never forgotten.