#MMIW (Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit People) raises awareness of epidemic violence against Indigenous women in North America.
Statistics: Native women face murder rates 10x the national average (U.S.); 1,200+ missing/murdered in Canada (official inquiry found likely higher).
REDress Project (2014): Artist Jaime Black installed red dresses in public spaces to represent missing women, creating iconic imagery.
Canada’s National Inquiry (2016-2019): Concluded Indigenous women’s deaths constitute “genocide” rooted in colonialism. Released 231 “Calls for Justice.”
U.S. Savanna’s Act (2020): Legislation improving coordination between tribal, federal, state law enforcement to address missing persons cases.
Gabby Petito contrast (2021): White woman’s disappearance received 24/7 media coverage, highlighting #MMIW media blackout. “Missing White Woman Syndrome” critiques went viral.
Activists demand:
- Federal databases tracking cases
- Tribal jurisdiction over crimes on reservations
- Media coverage parity
- Addressing root causes (poverty, housing, addiction services)
Red dresses, red handprints, and May 5 (MMIW Awareness Day) are movement symbols.
Sources:
- National Inquiry into MMIW (Canada): https://www.mmiwg-ffada.ca/
- Urban Indian Health Institute report: https://www.uihi.org/
- Sovereign Bodies Institute database: https://www.sovereign-bodies.org/