Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW)
ACROSS THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA NATIVE WOMEN AND GIRLS ARE BEING TAKEN OR MURDERED AT AN UNRELENTING RATE
Your involvement in the MMIW campaign is crucial in fostering a society where every individual is valued and safe.
ABOUT MMIW
What is the MMIW Movement?
The MMIW (Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women) movement is a grassroots movement that seeks to raise awareness about the disproportionate rates of violence, disappearance, and murder experienced by Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit individuals in North America. It aims to bring attention to the systemic issues such as racism, sexism, colonialism, and inadequate government response that contribute to this crisis. The movement advocates for justice for victims and their families, calls for improved policies and resources to address the issue, and works towards preventing future instances of violence against Indigenous women and their communities. MMIW activists and organizations often organize events, marches, campaigns, and advocacy efforts to amplify the voices of affected communities and push for meaningful change.
The MMIW Red Hand
The Red Hand is a symbol used to raise awareness about violence against Indigenous women and girls, particularly in North America. It represents the bloodshed and injustice faced by these individuals.
The Red Hand symbol serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for justice and the need for action to end violence against Indigenous women and girls
The alarming reports of abduction
The current reports of abduction and murder of Native women are alarming and represent one of the most horrific aspects of the spectrum of violence committed against Native women. The murder rate of Native women is more than ten times the national average on some reservations. These disappearances or murders are often connected to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, and sex trafficking. The intersection of gender-based violence and MMIW is heavily intertwined. It is important to understand the connection between domestic, dating, and sexual violence and the high incidence of missing and murdered Indigenous women (MMIW) in the United States.
This long-standing crisis of MMIW
In response to the crisis of MMIW, grassroots actions to honor and call for justice for missing and murdered Indigenous women have increasingly grown at the local, regional, national, and international levels.
Since then, Native families, advocates, and Indigenous nations have risen to challenge the silence, tolerance, and inaction in response to the crisis of MMIW. Locally, community searches and actions, tribal press conferences, justice marches continue to draw attention and urgency to the MMIW crisis, reflecting the long-standing call in holding governments publicly accountable for the perpetrators allowed to prey on Native women with impunity.
MMIW DAY
When is MMIW Day?
There are two significant dates marked on the calendar in support of the MMIW cause: February 14 and May 5.
February 14 is observed as the MMIW National Day of Action and Awareness. On this day, activist groups across the nation come together to organize Women's Memorial Marches, protesting against class disparity, racism, inequality, and violence targeting Native Americans.
May 5 is recognized as the official MMIW Day and is widely commemorated throughout the US and Canada. Individuals don red attire and participate in various events such as marches, rallies, bike rides, fundraisers, and more, all aimed at raising awareness for the MMIW cause and combatting the injustices faced by Native women and their families on a daily basis.
Uniting for Justice, Awareness, and Change
On MMIW Day, various events, marches, vigils, and ceremonies may be organized to raise awareness, demand justice, and advocate for systemic change. These events often highlight the need for increased resources for victim support, improved law enforcement practices, and addressing the root causes of violence against Indigenous women and girls, including colonialism, racism, poverty, and lack of access to resources.
MMIW Day serves as an important moment for solidarity, activism, and remembrance within Indigenous communities and beyond. It aims to bring attention to a critical issue that has been overlooked for far too long and to mobilize efforts towards creating safer, more equitable futures for Indigenous women and girls.
Wearing Red in Solidarity
The mission is to be in solidarity with the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Men, Girls, Two-Spirits, Relatives, grieving families, and individuals working on the frontlines to end this epidemic of violence against Indigenous people.
Why red? Red dresses have been used to raise awareness of the large number of Missing Indigenous Women & Girls (#MMIW #MMIWG) for many years. Red is used not just to represent the many hearts broken by the loss of our stolen sisters but also because for many tribes red is a sacred color. So please wear red on May 5th to show that we have not forgotten our sisters, mothers, and daughters who have been taken from us.
Education. Change. Prevention.
Empower native Voice and its allies are committed to putting an end to MMIW —and we need your help!
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THE IMPACT OF MMIW
Psychological impact
The impact of MMIW extends far beyond the physical realm; it affects individuals emotionally, mentally, spiritually, and even across generations. Survivors and their families may grapple with depression, anxiety, PTSD, substance abuse, and even suicide. The spiritual well-being of these individuals is shaken, often leaving them feeling disconnected from their ancestors, land, and Creator. Tragically, the impact can be passed down to future generations, who inherit the trauma and violence of their ancestors.
Impact on Family Life
Emotional Turmoil: Families of MMIW victims often experience intense emotional turmoil, including grief, loss, and confusion. The absence of closure and answers to their loved one's fate can lead to long-lasting emotional distress.
Financial Strain: Searching for a missing family member, attending court proceedings, or dealing with the aftermath of a crime can place a significant financial burden on families.
Career Aspirations
The emotional and financial toll of MMIW can hinder career development and progress. Individuals may struggle to achieve their career aspirations as they focus on family needs.
Social Impact: Families of MMIW often bear the burden of additional responsibilities within their communities and families, while facing societal discrimination, racism, and oppression.
Impact on Community and Society
MMIW crisis threatens the survival and well-being of Indigenous nations, as it deprives them of their women, girls, and gender-diverse individuals who carry culture and traditions.
Future generations are robbed of the potential contributions from their female relatives, perpetuating cycles of trauma and violence.
This loss can lead to a decline in the community's spiritual and cultural heritage, as well as a diminishing sense of pride in their traditions.
* Politics
From a political standpoint, MMIW is a stark challenge to the sovereignty of Indigenous nations, highlighting their limited power to safeguard their members from violence. It exposes the deep-seated systemic racism within judicial and law enforcement systems, media portrayal, and broader societal attitudes. The MMIW crisis is not just a series of individual tragedies but a symptom of a larger political failure — one that demands a concerted effort to rectify historical injustices and to create systems that protect and honor Indigenous women and their vital role in their communities..