UPDATE: The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has just removed a crucial report on Missing and Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP) from its official website, igniting widespread concern among advocacy groups and Indigenous communities. The removal, confirmed earlier today, raises urgent questions about the government’s commitment to addressing this ongoing crisis.
Advocates are alarmed by this sudden action, fearing it signals a potential erasure of vital information related to the plight of Indigenous individuals who have gone missing or been murdered across the United States. The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) has called for immediate accountability, emphasizing the need to keep this critical issue in the public eye. “We cannot allow this issue to fade into obscurity,” stated NCAI President Fawn Sharp.
The MMIP crisis has garnered increasing attention, with reports indicating that Indigenous women are more than twice as likely to be murdered than their non-Indigenous counterparts. As of October 2023, over 4,200 Indigenous people are reported missing, yet systemic barriers continue to hinder investigations and data collection.
This alarming development comes at a time when the urgency for action is greater than ever. Advocacy groups are mobilizing to ensure that the stories of these individuals are not forgotten. “We will not remain silent. We demand that the DOJ reinstate this report and continue to support efforts to protect our communities,” said a representative from the Indigenous rights organization Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
The removal has sparked a social media outcry, with hashtags like #MMIP and #JusticeForIndigenousPeople trending across platforms. Activists are urging followers to share their stories and raise awareness about the ongoing crisis, emphasizing that the removal of the report does not diminish the reality faced by countless families.
Moving forward, advocacy groups plan to engage with policymakers and the DOJ to ensure that this issue remains at the forefront of national discussions. As investigations into the MMIP crisis continue, they aim to push for more transparency and accountability from government entities.
As this story develops, communities across the nation are urged to stay vigilant and informed, amplifying voices that demand justice for the missing and murdered. The fight for recognition and reform is ongoing, and every voice counts in this critical battle.
For those who want to help, consider sharing this news and supporting Indigenous organizations that are working tirelessly to bring about change. The time for action is NOW.
