Social Movements & the Law

Activists tell of how extractive industries are intertwined with violence against women and girls

Native American women have been targeted with high rates of violence, murder, rape and disappearance for centuries. This ongoing series explores how MMIW activists, communities, lawmakers and law enforcement are raising awareness about missing and murdered indigenous women and working for change.

WHAT IS THE MMIW MOVEMENT? The MMIW (Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women) movement is an activist effort in response to the pervasive issue of missing and murdered Indigenous women across North America (Turtle Island). This movement brings awareness to an issue which did not previously receive mainstream attention. MMIW activism is made up of art, protest, pushing for legislation, and building accurate databases and stronger communities. This movement is taking place across Canada, the continental US, and Alaska. In this exhibit we will be primarily focusing on the US.

Resources

Missing and murdered Indigenous women' has become a well-known phrase in recent years as the crisis of violence against Native American women has gotten more attention. But a new report from the Government Accountability Office shows we don’t actually know the extent of the problem.

Research shows that violence against American Indian and Alaska Native women in the U.S. is a crisis. Cases of missing or murdered Indigenous women persist nationwide, but without more comprehensive case data in federal databases, the full extent of the problem is unknown.

In 2019, more than a dozen members of Congress — including Arizona Reps. Raul Grijalva and Ruben Gallego — asked the Government Accountability Office to gather more information on the issue of missing or murdered Indigenous women. The GAO has now released its findings on the crisis.

Countless indigenous women and girls have gone missing for generations. Some are never found. Others are only returned to loved ones after their lives were taken

Podcasts Taken the Podcast: Eagle Vision’s committment to Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and their families began when Founding Partner Lisa Meeches (Anishinaabe from Long Plain First Nation) was expecting her first daughter, and had a dream that...

Let’s Talk New Mexico 10/21 8am: It’s still unclear exactly how many cases there are in New Mexico of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Relatives.…

Check out the latest here!

New Arizona law requires law enforcement to collect this data in an effort to prevent violence.

In collaboration with Tucson Indian Center, we cover the topic Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls with Senator Sally Ann Gonzales and April Ignacio

Tribal forces can investigate and hold non-Native Americans while waiting for back up from state police or federal officers, but they can't arrest them. Tribes say that means criminals going free.

The Red Nation is dedicated to the liberation of Indigenous peoples from colonialism. We do this through centering Indigenous agendas and struggles in direct action, advocacy, mobilization, and educat

CBC News’ Missing and Murdered podcast series is hosted by CBC News investigative reporter Connie Walker.

Bring Her Home follows three Indigenous women — an artist, an activist and a politician — as they work to vindicate and honor their relatives who are victims in the growing epidemic of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women. As they face the lasting effects of historical trauma, each woman searches for healing while navigating the

For Indigenous communities in North America, the links between land and body create a powerful intersection—one that, when overlooked or discounted, can threaten their very existence. Extractive industries have drilled, mined, and fracked on lands on or near resource-rich Indigenous territories for decades.

A toolkit by Native Youth Sexual Health Network and Women’s Earth Alliance

GENDER, INDIGENOUS RIGHTS, AND ENERGY DEVELOPMENT IN NORTHEAST BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA

Roughly 150 women who attended the Mamawe! Mekowishwewin-miyomachowin gathering earlier this month walked away with a handcrafted ribbon skirt, made by Agnes Woodward and her family.

Ewenin’s family gave testimony at the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls inquiry, and the bench is a permanent way to honour her.

"We’ll keep working until our people stop going missing without a trace.”

The interior secretary has announced the formation of a new unit to investigate what she calls an ‘epidemic’

Rep. Deb Haaland got emotional while questioning a witness at a hearing on missing and murdered indigenous women Thursday. Choking back tears, Haaland asked ...

Interior Secretary Deb Haaland says extensive news media coverage of the death of Gabby Petito should be a reminder of hundreds of Native American girls and women who are missing or murdered in the United States.

Environmentalists and some Alaskan Native communities had opposed the plan over climate, wildlife and food-shortage fears

The Navajo Nation is providing new safe water sources for in-home use to residents living in homes with no piped water during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency.This website describes how people without piped water in their homes can gain access to water from safe sources. This website provides information on water point locations, operating hours, and contact information. There is also information provided that will explain the importance of accessing and hauling your drinking and cooking water from safe water points.This site is best viewed using Chrome, Firefox or Microsoft Edge explorers. It does not work on Internet Explorer.

Ashley Loring Heavy Runner vanished in 2017. She’s just one of nearly 6,000 missing indigenous women. A complicated, underfunded justice system often leaves these sometimes violent crimes unsolved.

Native American women are being murdered and sexually assaulted on reservations and nearby towns at far higher rates than other American women.