Here is the sobering Truth
It’s estimated that 4 out of 5 Native women experience some form of violence in their lifetime. Native women also face murder rates more than 10 times the national average. Despite efforts to raise awareness, of the 5,712 cases of MMIWG in the United States, only 116 were included in the Department of Justice (DOJ) database." ~ US Department of Veterans Affairs (You can still visit this website as of 2/18/2025. This was part of a report done in 2016.)
Want to participate and raise awareness? You don't have to be Native to observe this day.
Wear RED on May 5th and post a photo on social media with the hashtag #NationalDayofAawareness #MMIW
Know why this day exists, and were to get more information to help others learn. One really good place to start is Native Hope.
Host a community event in your community on May 5th.
Host a prayer circle or candlelight vigil on May 5th.
Post a list of names of native people missing or murdered from your community.
Create or visit a living memorial. The MMIW Memorial Grove
View the National Indigenous Women's Resource Center webinars.
Why do you sometimes see MMIW with different letters?
Each native nation, family, non-profit, and organization has their own way of recognizing people who are part of the movement. The original focus was on women, so many of the first reports and calls to action where for MMIW (Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women). Here are others you might see:
MMIP- Missing and Murdered Indigenous People
MMIR- Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives
MMIWG- Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls
MMIWG2S- Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit People
MMIWP- Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and People (The Grove uses this one regularly)
MMIWR- Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Relatives