May is Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness Month.
American Indian and Alaska Native people are at a disproportionate risk of experiencing violence, murder, or going missing and make up a significant portion of the missing and murdered cases, according to the BIA.
Here are some resources available:
U.S. Department of the Interior Indian Affairs: Missing and Murdered Indigenous People:
- View missing and murdered cases
- Submit taps or report information for cases
- Learn more about the crisis and efforts by the Missing and Murdered Unit within the Office of Justice Services
- Learn about symbols used during the awareness month, including the MMIW Red Hand
- Read about how stereotypes perpetuate injustice
- Information on how American Indian men, boys, infants, and elders are also victims of violence and human trafficking
NamUs (National Missing and Unidentified Persons System):
- A U.S. Department of Justice database of missing persons cases
Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) Oklahoma Missing Persons Family Resource Guide:
- Information on how to assist law enforcement, the media, volunteers, and national organizations in finding missing people
- Phone numbers and website links on national and state resources
- A checklist on steps to take when reporting a missing person.
These resources are also available at IHCRC’s Domestic Violence Prevention Resource Hub.
Indian Health Care Resource Center stands in solidarity to honor and remember our community's missing and murdered relatives.