Honoring Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Relatives (MMIWR)

Native women, girls, and Two-Spirit people experience some of the highest rates of violence in the United States. According to the National Indigenous Women's Resource Center, in some tribal communities, Native women are murdered at rates more than ten times the national average. Yet far too often, these cases go unreported, uninvestigated, and unresolved, leaving families without answers or justice.

Each year, the National Week of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Relatives (MMIWR) is observed from May 5 to May 9. This week is a time to honor those who have been taken, demand accountability, and uplift the voices of Indigenous communities fighting for change.

The National Day of Awareness on May 5 specifically honors the lives of Indigenous women, girls, and all Indigenous relatives who have been abducted or murdered. It was established in memory of Hanna Harris, a 21-year-old member of the Northern Cheyenne Tribe who went missing on July 4, 2013. Hanna's case, like so many others, drew national attention to the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous peoples and the systemic failures that allow it to continue.

Many of these murders and disappearances are linked to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, and sex trafficking. Despite the severity of these crimes, systemic barriers—including jurisdictional challenges, and the chronic underfunding of investigations—mean that perpetrators often face no consequences.

At NYSCADV, we support Indigenous-led efforts to prevent violence and secure justice. We recognize that addressing this crisis requires amplifying Indigenous communities' leadership, demanding systemic reforms, and centering the voices of survivors and their families.

As we approach the 2025 National Week of Awareness for MMIWR, we invite you to join us in taking action:

• Wear RED on May 5 to honor missing and murdered Indigenous relatives, and share a photo on social media using the hashtags #NationalDayOfAwareness, #MMIWR, or #NoMoreStolenRelatives.
• Host a community event, prayer circle, or candlelight vigil on May 5 to remember and honor those who are missing or have been lost.
• Raise awareness by sharing the names, faces, and stories of missing or murdered Indigenous relatives from your community.
• Take action during the National Week of Awareness!

Together, we can honor the lives of those who are missing or murdered and work to end the violence that threatens Indigenous women, girls, and all Indigenous relatives every day.

Learn and support the critical work being done by Indigenous organizations across the country to seek justice, raise awareness, and drive systemic change:

• Seven Dancers Coalition: A New York State based nonprofit whose mission is to uplift the families of Indigenous Communities by educating and restoring traditional values with the purpose of strengthening self-confidence and dignity. 
• StrongHearts Native Helpline (1-844-762-8483):  A 24/7 culturally-appropriate, anonymous, confidential service dedicated to serving Native American survivors of domestic violence and concerned family members and friends. 
• Mending the Sacred Hoop (MSH): A Native owned and operated non-profit that exists to address violence against Native women and works to end it. MSH provides grassroots building, coalition building, and trainings on addressing, responding, and preventing violence against American Indian/Alaska Native women in their home community of Duluth, MN and throughout Minnesota. 
• National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center (NIWRC): A Native nonprofit organization that was created specifically to serve as the National Indian Resource Center (NIRC) addressing domestic violence and safety for Indian Women. NIRWC conducts public awareness and resource development, training and technical assistance, policy development, and research activities. 
• Rematriation: Rematriation is a multi-media initiative engaging in film production, digital content creation and community engagement. Rematriation re-imagines the ways in which a “magazine” can shift narratives, defy stereotypes, and reflect indigenous experiences. This initiative engages a community of Haudenosaunee and Indigenous women who are healing together. Non-Indigenous friends and allies are welcome to join to receive subscriber-only content. A go to place to learn about how you can support the work of Rematriation and gain access to tips and advice about showing up in support of Indigenous peoples.