MDHHS joins statewide efforts to raise awareness of missing and murdered Indigenous people

Monday, May 5 is Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness Day

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is joining communities throughout Michigan in recognition of May 5 as Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) Awareness Day. This observance is an opportunity to raise awareness and honor the countless lives that have been lost by addressing violence against Indigenous communities – particularly women and girls.

“To support Indigenous victims and families who have suffered horrible acts of violence, MDHHS centers its work through grant funds managed by the Division of Victim Services and through the direct service and support of an MMIP advocate in our Office of Tribal Government Services and Policy,” said Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director. “MDHHS is committed to not only raising awareness of this crisis, but also to working in partnership with tribal governments and communities on the full spectrum of issues related to these crimes and the significant impact they have on tribal communities.”

The Michigan Domestic and Sexual Violence Prevention and Treatment Board has once again issued a resolution acknowledging MMIP Awareness Day and encourages all Michigan residents to attend gatherings and marches hosted by federally recognized tribes throughout the state.

“We must remain committed to ending the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous People,” said the Hon. Melissa Pope, chief judge of the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi Tribal Court, chief justice of the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians Tribal Court and member of the Michigan Domestic and Sexual Violence Prevention and Treatment Board. “In addition to the full enactment of the laws addressing this crisis, we must commit the resources necessary for immediate and ongoing searches when Indigenous People go missing until they are found. We must also commit the resources to provide safety to victims while offering culturally honoring services to heal the trauma of survivors, support the families of the missing, and honor those who have been murdered while supporting the loved ones whose lives will be forever changed. Of crucial importance is the prosecution of those who murder and commit violence against Indigenous People. It is only through these combined efforts that Indigenous People will be safe from violence.”

For decades, cases of missing and murdered Indigenous people – particularly women and girls – have been under-reported, under-investigated, and remain unsolved throughout the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, homicide rates among American Indian and Alaska Native people were almost four times higher than homicide rates among non-Hispanic white people. Research published by the National Institute of Justice indicates that more than four in five American Indian and Alaska Native women – more than 84% – have experienced violence in their lifetime, including stalking, sexual violence and physical abuse by an intimate partner.

“Violence against Indigenous people and their relatives is a pervasive issue that deserves our attention and advocacy – today and every day,” said Rebecca Shiemke, chair of the Michigan Domestic and Sexual Violence Prevention and Treatment Board. “The rate of violence against American Indian and Alaska Native women in particular is unacceptable. Our board is committed to elevating the voices of those who have experienced unthinkable acts of violence while working tirelessly to reform state laws and policies in pursuit of justice on behalf of all Indigenous people in Michigan.”

The MDHHS Division of Victim Services (DVS) works to provide grant funding to federally recognized tribes for sexual assault, domestic violence, and victims services programs that serve individual survivors with culturally honoring supports. Services provided with those funds include a sexual assault nurse examiner program, shelter, victim rights advocacy, victim advocates, housing relocation assistance, and individual client assistance. DVS also funds the StrongHearts Native Helpline, which is an anonymous and confidential domestic and sexual violence helpline for Native Americans and Alaska Natives offering culturally appropriate support and advocacy.

Events supporting MMIP victims and families on Monday, May 5 include:

•          March for MMIP, Grand Rapids
•          2025 No More Stolen Sisters Event, Mt. Pleasant
•          Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians Manistique ARC MMIR March, Manistique
•          Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians MMIR Awareness Event, St. Ignace
  
  To contact the StrongHearts helpline, call 1-844-7NATIVE (762-8483) or visit www.strongheartshelpline.org to chat with an advocate.
  
  To learn more about Michigan’s federally recognized tribes in your area, visit Federally Recognized Tribes in Michigan.
  
  For more information about MMIP issues or to seek resources, email: MDHHS-Tribal-MMIP@michigan.gov.

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