Honor the Lives of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and People
Each year, thousands of Indigenous women and people go missing or are murdered across the United States and Canada. Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit people (MMIWG2S) refers to the disproportionately high rates of violence experienced by Native women and girls.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Indigenous women are murdered at a rate more than 10 times the national average in some areas, and cases are often underreported, under-investigated, or misclassified. In Washington, Indigenous people make up 2 percent of the general population but account for 5 percent of unsolved cases. Washington ranks second highest in the nation for missing and murdered Indigenous women.
Currently, 112 Indigenous people are missing in Washington State, 56 of which are Indigenous women. Half of the missing or murdered indigenous persons in Washington State are from the east side of the state. View the most current list of of names, provided by the WA State Patrol.
Held Each May
Why MMIWG2S Awareness Month Matters
May is recognized as MMIWG2S Awareness Month, with May 5th honored as the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit people.
This month is a call to:
Raise awareness of the crisis and amplify the voices of Indigenous advocates and survivors.
Honor the lives lost and recognize the pain endured by their families and communities.
Support systemic change to improve investigations, strengthen tribal sovereignty, and promote safety and justice for Native people.
How You Can Take Action
Throughout May, we are partnering with one of our Mission Partners, Kalispel Tribe and Northern Quest Resort and Casino, to call attention to this matter and lift up the names of Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit people whose lives have been stolen or remain missing.
Join us, and stand with the families and communities who continue to search for justice and healing.
- Wear red on May 5th to honor MMIWG2S and show solidarity by attending the Honoring Event held at Northern Quest Resort and Casino at 1pm in the Eddy. This event is free and open to the public.
- Learn and share the facts about MMIWG2S through resources created by Indigenous-led organizations.
- Support Native-led advocacy groups that are working for policy change, justice, and community healing.
- This May and beyond, attend events, vigils, and educational forums in your area and online and continue to uplift Indigenous voices on social media and in your own networks.
- Throughout May you can visit the red dress display in the Heritage Hallway at Northern Quest Resort.
Support YWCA Spokane
Domestic Violence & MMIWG2S
Many MMIWG2S cases involve intimate partner violence, family violence, or interpersonal abuse that escalates over time. In fact, according to the National Institute of Justice, over 84% of Indigenous women have experienced violence in their lifetime — and more than 55% have experienced physical violence by an intimate partner.
Each month, YWCA Spokane serves over 1,000 women, men, children, and families through our free life-saving and life-changing services including support for survivors of intimate partner violence, free pre-school, and empowerment services for women.