MMIW Red Hand Movement

Overview

This lecture explains the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW), highlights systemic causes, provides statistics, addresses activism, and outlines efforts for justice and awareness.

The MMIW Crisis

• Thousands of Native American and Alaska Native women and girls are missing or murdered every year in the US and Canada.
• Families and communities experience deep trauma and loss, demanding justice for their missing and murdered relatives.
• In 2016, 5,712 cases were reported, but only 116 appeared in federal databases, illustrating underreporting.

Symbolism and the MMIW Movement

• The red hand over the mouth symbolizes silenced Native women and the movement against violence.
• Wearing red honors the missing and seeks ancestral support.

Systemic Causes and Challenges

• Federal policies and the Indian Relocation Act resulted in fragmented communities and complicated jurisdictional issues.
• Only 22% of Native Americans live on reservations; most live in urban areas with limited resources and support.
• Poverty, homelessness, isolation, and lack of services increase vulnerability to violence and trafficking.

Key Statistics

• Murder is the third leading cause of death for Native women.
• Murder rates for Native women on reservations are ten times higher than the national average.
• In 71 urban US cities (2016): 280 murdered, 128 missing, 506 cases reported, 98 unknown status, median victim age 29.

Stereotypes and Injustice

• Harmful stereotypes and colonization history contribute to indifference from law enforcement and media.
• Reports of missing Native women are often dismissed or under-investigated due to bias.

Expanding Awareness: MMIP

• Men, boys, infants, and elders also experience violence and go missing, with 82% of indigenous men facing violence in their lifetimes.

Activism and Legislation

• The MMIW movement began in Canada and is gaining momentum across North America.
• MMIW National Day of Action: February 14; MMIW Day: May 5.
• Political efforts include the Not Invisible Act and amendments to the Violence Against Women Act, led by Native legislators like Rep. Deb Haaland.

Education, Media, and Prevention

• Films such as "Voices Unheard" and "Skeet Fighter" raise awareness and tell stories of resilience.
• Native Hope supports raising awareness through media, education, and community organizing.

Key Terms & Definitions

• MMIW — Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women; a movement addressing violence against Native women.
• Red hand symbol — Represents silenced voices and honors missing Indigenous women.
• Indian Relocation Act — US policy moving Native Americans to urban areas, causing community fragmentation.
• Urban Indians — Native Americans living in cities, often lacking tribal resources.
• Not Invisible Act — US legislation for improving coordination against violence toward Indigenous people.

Action Items / Next Steps

• Access the MMIW social media toolkit to spread awareness.
• Participate or learn more about MMIW Day (May 5) and National Day of Action (February 14).
• Watch "Voices Unheard" and "Skeet Fighter" for deeper understanding.
• Educate yourself on contributing factors and join efforts to support Indigenous families.