GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Cases of missing and murdered Indigenous people – particularly women and girls – are underreported, under-investigated and remain unsolved throughout the U.S., the CDC reports.
For the third year in a row, tribes throughout Michigan hosted a rally for missing and murdered indigenous persons (MMIP) at Ah-Nab-Awen Park in Grand Rapids Friday afternoon.
The Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians, the Gun Lake Tribe, the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi and others took part.
The rainy weather did not dampen attendees' resolve to shine a light on the disproportionate risk Indigenous Americans and Alaskan Native people face in experiencing, violence, murder or going missing.
These tribes encouraged everyone, not just Indigenous people, to learn about this statistic.
The Michigan Domestic and Sexual Violence Prevention and Treatment Board issued a resolution acknowledging MMIP Awareness Day on Sunday, May 5.
“The needs surrounding missing and murdered women and Indigenous people are long-standing issues connected to this country’s history of assimilation polices,” 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. “We need allies in this work, and we need every advocate to remember the historical trauma and suffering of Indigenous people throughout the U.S., including Alaska and Hawaii.”
The CDC said in 2021 homicide was the eighth leading cause of death among American Indian/Alaska Native females. Research published by the National Institute of Justice shows more than four in five American Indian and Alaska Native women – over 84% – have experienced violence in their lifetime, including stalking, sexual violence and physical abuse by an intimate partner.
"Our cause is to bring awareness for our people to be the voice for our people who those who can't speak anymore. Whether you're an elder, or a child, or a woman, our purpose is to serve. Our purpose is to be here for the community and for the people however, we can, hence why we're here today," said Brian Pilar, who said he is from the Saginaw Chippewa Indian reservation and the Vice President of a chapter of the Redrum Motorcycle Club.
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Congresswoman Hillary Scholten attended the rally.
On Sunday, a youth-led group is hosting a rally on the Blue Bridge in downtown Grand Rapids to raise awareness.
Light the Blue Bridge Red is set for Sunday at 4 p.m. It's organized by the Native Circle of Newaygo County.
To contact the StrongHearts helpline, call 844-7NATIVE (762-8483) or visit Strongheartshelpline.org to chat with an advocate.
If you or someone you know is experiencing sexual violence, Michigan’s Sexual Assault Hotline is a free, confidential and anonymous resource available 24/7/365. Call 855-864-2374, text 866-238-1454, or chat online by visiting mcedsv.org/sexual-violence-hotline-chat/.
To learn more about the Michigan Domestic and Sexual Violence Prevention and Treatment Board, visit Michigan.gov/CrimeVictim.
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