Missing and Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP)
The Missing and Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP) crisis refers to the disproportionately high rates of violence and disappearances experienced by Indigenous people, particularly women and girls, in the United States and Canada. This crisis is rooted in historical trauma, systemic inequities, and jurisdictional complexities in Indian Country.
Several initiatives are underway in the United States to address this crisis:
Data Collection and Reporting: Improving data collection and reporting on MMIP cases is crucial for understanding the scope of the problem and developing effective responses. The National Crime Information Center (NCIC) has been enhanced to improve data collection on missing Indigenous people.
Task Forces and Investigations: Federal and state task forces have been established to investigate MMIP cases and coordinate law enforcement efforts. For example, the Department of Justice established the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) Initiative in 2019.
Tribal Collaboration: Increased collaboration with tribal governments and law enforcement is essential for addressing the MMIP crisis. The Not Invisible Act of 2019 aims to improve coordination between federal agencies and tribes.
Public Awareness: Raising public awareness about the MMIP crisis is crucial for increasing support and resources for addressing the issue. Organizations like the National Indigenous Women's Resource Center (NIWRC) and the Urban Indian Health Institute (UIHI) are working to raise awareness and advocate for policy changes.
Legislation: Several bills have been introduced in Congress to address the MMIP crisis, such as Savanna's Act and the Not Invisible Act. These bills aim to improve data collection, increase tribal involvement in investigations, and provide resources for victims and families.
These initiatives represent important steps towards addressing the MMIP crisis, but much work remains to be done. Continued efforts are needed to improve data collection, strengthen law enforcement responses, increase tribal collaboration, raise public awareness, and enact effective legislation to address this urgent issue.