Indigenous women in the United States and Canada are facing a crisis of unprecedented proportions, with alarming rates of abduction and murder. As Lauren Madison, a co-founder of Save Wiyabi Map, poignantly states, “Indigenous women go missing twice: once in real life and a second time in the news.” This statement underscores the urgent need for dialogue around this epidemic, which has largely gone unnoticed.
In April 2015, a harrowing incident involving a young woman named Lena Torres from Minnesota exemplifies this troubling trend. Kidnapped and taken to Williston, North Dakota, she managed to escape and report her ordeal to the police. Shockingly, instead of receiving the help she needed, officers charged her with an unpaid traffic ticket from 2011. This incident is not an isolated case; between May 2015 and January 2016, three Indigenous women were murdered and two others went missing in northern Minnesota alone.
Statistics reveal a grim reality: the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identifies Native American and Black women as having the highest murder rates in the U.S. For young Native women aged 10 to 24, homicide ranks as the third leading cause of death. However, these figures do not encompass the multitude of missing cases that remain unsolved. Families often find themselves without answers, as many disappearances are met with an indifference that assumes Native women will not be found alive.
The lack of a coordinated database to track missing and murdered Indigenous women is a significant barrier to addressing this crisis. This is not a new issue; the violence against Native women is deeply rooted in historical injustices, including Euro-American invasions and ongoing domestic violence within communities. With a murder rate ten times higher than the national average, the threat to Indigenous women continues to escalate.
A substantial factor contributing to this situation is the pervasive mistrust between Native communities and law enforcement agencies. Reports indicate that Native individuals are more likely to be killed by police compared to other minority groups, and Indigenous women often face prejudicial assumptions that undermine their status as victims. Carmen O’Leary, a member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe and coordinator for the Native Women’s Society, emphasizes that Native women must first prove their innocence before being recognized as victims.
In response to this crisis, organizations like the Coalition to Stop Violence Against Native Women are striving to raise awareness. The Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women movement (MMIW) exemplifies these efforts. Activists like 19-year-old college freshman Mia River, who recently walked 80 miles through the Flathead Indian Reservation, are drawing attention to the plight of missing Indigenous women. Although she faced hostility during her journey, Mia found hope in those who supported her cause.
There are actionable steps individuals can take to make a difference. Engaging with local legislators about supporting Savannah’s Act can help standardize law enforcement protocols and improve data tracking for missing and murdered Native Americans. Additionally, the Red Ribbon Alert Project provides an alert system for when a Native woman goes missing, raising community awareness through social media. Donations to organizations dedicated to ending violence against Indigenous women can also contribute to meaningful change.
Conversations surrounding these issues are crucial. The lack of documentation does not negate the existence of these crimes. By amplifying awareness and advocating for change, we can honor the lives of these women and work towards a safer future.
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In summary, the alarming trend of missing and murdered Indigenous women highlights a significant societal issue that requires urgent attention. By fostering awareness and action, we can contribute to meaningful change in the lives of many.