Restoration Magazine

The crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women and relatives (MMIWR) continues to devastate Tribal communities across the United States. While progress has been made in raising awareness and developing resources, the scale and urgency of the crisis remain profound. In response, the National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center’s (NIWRC) Family Advisor Workgroup has developed policy recommendations to enhance safety measures, improve prevention strategies, and provide critical support for survivors, victims’ families, and Tribal communities.

These recommendations are informed by ongoing dialogue with families and designed to align with pre-existing resources and frameworks. We aim to advocate for culturally relevant, trauma-informed interventions that address immediate needs and foster long-term systemic change. It is essential to simultaneously acknowledge that the priorities may shift over time to meet the needs and responses of Tribal Nations and communities. 

Community Action

Creating spaces for Native families and communities to come together and support each other is critical in addressing the MMIWR crisis. Community support and action are essential for the healing and justice work needed to address MMIWR and violence against Native women. The Family Advisor Workgroup proposed the following actions:

• Community Gatherings. Establish dedicated MMIWR family spaces where individuals can gather, share stories, and connect with others who understand their experiences. These spaces will also serve as places for community support and mutual healing.
• Housing Programs. Develop emergency, transitional, and long-term housing programs for families of missing or murdered Indigenous women and survivors. These programs will ensure families have safe places to live during difficult times and after the loss of a loved one.
• Family Wellness. Offer families access to culturally relevant activities that promote physical, mental, and emotional health. Efforts to help connect families to resources and practices that foster safety and well-being.

Economic Support

In the aftermath of violence and loss, families of MMIWR often face financial burdens that hinder their ability to heal and seek justice. Policy changes in this area are essential in providing economic support and safety:

• Paid Safe Leave. Implement paid safe leave policies for families of missing and murdered Indigenous women and victims/survivors. This policy enables families to take time off work without the risk of losing income, allowing them to focus on urgent matters such as search efforts, legal proceedings, and personal healing.
• Financial Support for Families. Provide direct financial support to MMIWR families to cover search costs and other essential expenses during investigations and awareness efforts.
• Travel Funding. Funding for families to travel to locations where they must give testimony or participate in investigations or legal proceedings, ensuring that financial constraints do not limit their ability to pursue justice.
• Funding for Community Action Programs. Increase funding for Tribes to implement and expand community action programs that address the root causes of violence and support victims and their families.

Justice System Reform

A just and responsive legal system is essential to addressing the MMIWR crisis. However, significant reforms are needed to ensure that justice systems are accessible, transparent, and culturally relevant for Indigenous families. The following policy recommendations focus on improving communication, support for families, and coordination among various jurisdictions and agencies:

• Implement DOI/DOJ NIAC Recommendations. Ensure the Not Invisible Act Commission recommendations to the Departments of the Interior (DOI) and Justice (DOJ) are fully implemented and funded.
• Enhanced Communication with Families. Expand communication efforts to promptly provide families with clear and detailed information regarding the reasons for the declination of cases, ongoing investigations, and postinvestigation follow-ups.
• Legal Support and Advocacy. Provide families with access to trained legal support, advocates, and liaisons who are equipped to navigate the complexities of the justice system and are sensitive to the unique needs of Indigenous communities. Legal aid programs should also be available to survivors and their families, regardless of the legal status of their case.

Training, Services, and Programs

Culturally relevant and trauma-informed services help to prevent violence, support survivors, and assist families. These practices and services should be incorporated into both community-based programs and formal systems, including law enforcement and judicial systems:

• Culturally Relevant, Trauma-Informed Prevention Programs. Develop and implement prevention and education initiatives tailored to Indigenous communities. These programs should raise awareness about MMIWR and provide tools to prevent and respond to violence. Community meals and shared cultural activities should be integrated into these programs, including Tribal-specific ceremonies to strengthen community ties and healing, which require funding.
• Family and Community Training. Update communities on agency roles. Educate families and communities on the roles and responsibilities of various agencies (law enforcement, social services, etc.) to ensure more streamlined communication and collaboration. Provide translation where necessary.
• Media and Social Media Training. Equip families with the skills needed to engage with the press and navigate social media platforms to raise awareness about their loved ones’ cases and share important updates if they choose to do so.
• Youth Prevention Programs. Provide long-term prevention programs for Indigenous youth, especially those exposed to violence. These programs should focus on healthy relationships, mutual respect, consent, and personal and community resilience development.
• Reintegration Programs for Families and Survivors. Develop programs to support the reintegration of families and survivors into their communities, helping them navigate the emotional, social, and practical challenges of returning to the community after experiencing trauma.
• Culturally Relevant Early Childhood Development Programs. Establish and fund early childhood programs grounded in Indigenous cultural practices, promoting healthy emotional and psychological development for young children and their families.
• Health Perspective on MMIWR/Trafficking. Train healthcare professionals and community members on MMIWR and trafficking, emphasizing prevention, early intervention, and holistic care from a public health perspective.
• Holistic Wrap-Around Services for Families/ Survivors. Provide ongoing, comprehensive, supportive services for families and survivors, including trauma-informed health services, counseling, and case management. These services should address the full spectrum of physical, emotional, and psychological needs.
• Nationwide Education on Trauma-Informed Support. Provide education from the national to local levels on what trauma-informed support looks like when assisting families. This includes training for judges, lawyers, law enforcement, community members, and schools on identifying and responding to trauma.

The crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women and relatives is an urgent national issue that requires a collaborative response. These policy recommendations represent a crucial step toward enhancing the safety, dignity, and well-being of Native women, relatives, families, and communities.

By focusing on community action, economic support, justice system reform, and culturally relevant services, we can address the systemic issues contributing to MMIWR. Implementing these recommendations will provide immediate relief for families and survivors while laying the groundwork for long-term, sustainable change.