There is a silent crisis occurring throughout North America. Four out of five Native women have experienced some form of violence in their lifetime. Native women face murder rates more than ten times the national average. Homicide is the third leading cause of death among Native girls and women aged 10 to 24, and the fifth leading cause of death for Native women aged 25 to 34.

In 2020 alone, according to the National Crime Information Center, there were 5,295 reports of missing women and girls — all of them American Indian and Alaska Natives. 5,295 people have vanished. And most people in North America are simply unaware that this is happening. But there is reason to hope.

The State of Michigan stands in solidarity with other Tribal, regional, state and national governments and organizations in support of recognizing May 5 as a day to raise awareness of these missing and murdered Indigenous persons.

The Episcopal Diocese of Northern Michigan recognizes the neglected epidemic, the detrimental effects and suffering that results from the disparity of attention and care directed towards Indigenous people. We commend the recent efforts taken by the government to bring awareness to and address the issue of missing and murdered people.

Please join us as our diocese continues to learn about this important issue and engages in related local and state advocacy. We support legislation directing the federal government to address gaps in care, protection, and data collection meant to address the high rates of missing and murdered Indigenous people.

For more resources, please see links below.