Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW): A Crisis That Demands Attention
The crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) is one of the most pressing human rights issues facing Indian Country today. Native women and girls experience disproportionately high rates of violence, abduction, and homicide, yet their cases often receive little to no media attention or justice. This ongoing epidemic is rooted in historical injustices, systemic failures, and a lack of accountability from law enforcement and government agencies.
Understanding the Scope of the MMIW Crisis
Indigenous women are murdered at a rate ten times higher than the national average.
Homicide is the third leading cause of death for Native women.
Many cases go unsolved due to jurisdictional complexities, inadequate investigations, and racial biases within the justice system.
The lack of data and tracking makes it difficult to assess the issue on an accurate scale.
Why Is This Happening?
The MMIW crisis is deeply tied to colonial violence, historical trauma, and systemic neglect. Contributing factors include:
Jurisdictional Gaps – Tribal nations often lack the authority to prosecute non-Natives who commit crimes on tribal land.
Underreporting & Lack of Law Enforcement Response – Many families face obstacles when reporting missing loved ones. Cases are frequently dismissed or misclassified.
Human Trafficking & Exploitation – Native women and girls are highly vulnerable to trafficking due to poverty, displacement, and systemic vulnerabilities.
Resource Gaps – Many tribal communities lack the resources to investigate and respond to cases of missing persons adequately.
Why Should People Care?
MMIW is not just an Indigenous issue—it is a human rights issue that affects families, communities, and future generations. The violence against Native women reflects broader patterns of neglect, racism, and gender-based violence that must be addressed at all levels of government and society.
How Can We Take Action?
Raise Awareness – Share stories, educate others, and use social media to amplify the voices of MMIW families and advocates.
Support Legislation – Advocate for laws like the Savanna’s Act and Not Invisible Act, which aim to improve investigations and provide better resources for MMIW cases.
Hold Law Enforcement Accountable – Push for better tracking, reporting, and response from local, state, and federal agencies.
Support Native Organizations – Groups like the National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center (NIWRC) and Tribal Law and Policy Institute work tirelessly to protect Indigenous women and girls.
Listen to Families & Survivors – Their stories, experiences, and advocacy are the heart of this movement.
The fight for justice for MMIW is far from over, but with awareness, action, and accountability, we can help bring lasting change. Every missing and murdered woman is more than a statistic—she is a daughter, a mother, a sister, and a loved one who deserves justice.
