On May 5 and for the first week of May, we remember the lives of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Relatives (MMIW) and commit to action. Tribal member programs and Native advocates and survivors are leading the way, honoring Missing and Murdered Relatives, and working for change.
From Honor Walks in Lummi Nation, Lower Elwah Klallam Tribe, Cowlitz Indian Tribe, and Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe, to Puyallup Tribe’s MMIWP Coastal Jam, to Mother Nation’s Healing Together MMIP Gathering, you have lots of ways to get involved.
You can also check out the 2026 National Week of Action for MMIWR for virtual learning and gathering opportunities, action steps, and tools.
“The alarming rates of abduction and murder of Native women represent one of the most devastating issues facing Tribal communities. On some reservations, Native women face murder rates more than ten times the national average. These disappearances and murders are often directly linked to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, sex trafficking, and longstanding harms impacting Indigenous communities. Grassroots movements have grown at the local, regional, national, and international levels to honor lives lost and work toward lasting safety and justice for all missing and murdered Indigenous women and relatives.” – National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center
Looking for ways to learn, get involved, and take action this week? Here are some ideas:
- Read the Urban Indian Health Institute’s 2018 Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls report which highlights the MMIW crisis and the high number of cases in the Seattle metro area
- If and when a Native relative is missing or murdered, access this toolkit on Understanding and Responding to Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women for Families and Communities
- Respond to the National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center’s calls to action and follow them on social media for events and resources.
Is your program or community taking action? Let us know. We would love to hear from you.
May everyone return home safely.
