Today, the Oregon Commission for Women (OCFW) hosted a panel discussion on Missing and Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP) as May marks MMIP Awareness Month.
MMIP is a human rights crisis of violence against indigenous people that impacts a reported 82 percent of Indigenous people. MMIP Awareness Month brings to light the grassroots movements across the country and into our neighboring countries, to educate the public on the issue, and calls for a disruption of the crisis of violence that disproportionately impacts Indigenous women and girls.
“Raising awareness about Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples (MMIP) isn't just about shedding light on a crisis; it's about honoring lives lost, empowering communities, and demanding justice.” Said Camille Mercier, Co-Chair of OCFW and a member of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde who also moderated the panel. “Through collective efforts, let's ensure that every voice is heard, every story is told, and every life is valued.”
The panel consisted of Indigenous community advocates and business owners Kola Shippentower, Amanda Freeman, and Tonya Gleason as well as state legislators Rep. Annessa Hartman (HD-40) and Senator Kathleen Taylor (SD-21).
Gleason, who has a missing relative since 2012 and is presumed to have been murdered, shared their family’s story, followed by a candid discussion of government policies of forced removal, land seizures, and violence at the hand of law enforcement. Other topics of discussion included addressing the underreporting and misclassification of MMIP cases, key areas of future research, legislative and policy changes that could prevent future cases of MMIP, and ensuring justice for victims and their families.
Thank you to the Women’s Foundation of Oregon for sponsoring this event. Your commitment to gender justice for all women is vital to addressing gender violence and reaching equity.
