Indigenous communities across North America are intensifying their calls for action against violence, particularly towards women and girls, as they observe Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness Day. Advocacy events—including prayer walks, self-defense classes, and marches—are taking place, emphasizing the urgent need for improved cooperation among law enforcement to address the approximately 4,300 open FBI cases concerning missing or murdered Indigenous individuals.
Several parents, including Lisa Mulligan and Christina Castro, are proactively preparing their children for these harsh realities through what they refer to as “the talk,” educating them about the risks they may face. Mulligan, a motorcycle rider from the Forest County Potawatomi, is instilling this understanding in her granddaughters, sharing personal losses within her family linked to violence and trafficking.
In these conversations, parents express that there is no option to ignore the potential for violence, emphasizing the necessity of awareness from a young age. Self-defense initiatives are being launched, as seen in gatherings across various states, highlighting the need for proactive measures. Participants, like 15-year-old Yaretzi Ortega, echo the sentiment that early awareness is critical, recognizing the particular vulnerabilities faced by Native women and children.
Despite years of advocacy, results have been slow, with systemic issues persisting in addressing these crimes effectively. Some tribes are now working to better integrate Indigenous Alerts into state systems, thanks to recent federal support. The journey for meaningful change continues as families and advocates rally for justice and seek to protect their communities from ongoing violence.
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