Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women in North America

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Questions and Answers

What significant term did Roxanne White learn about regarding violent deaths and disappearances of Indigenous women?

Missing and murdered Indigenous women (correct)

Violent Indigenous female casualties

Crisis of Indigenous womanhood

Disappeared Indigenous women

What year did the FBI release its findings about the deaths in the vicinity of the Yakama reservation?

2016

2009 (correct)

1996

2002

What initiative did the Prime Minister of Canada launch in response to disappearances among First Nations?

Missing women awareness campaign

National task force on Indigenous safety

Historic national inquiry (correct)

Indigenous women protection act

How many deaths from the mid-2000s examination did the FBI classify as homicides?

10 Signup and view all the answers

What prompted the Yakama women to look for a term describing their experiences?

Meeting other Indigenous women at a camp Signup and view all the answers

What type of law is set to take effect in June regarding missing American Indian women?

A law for data collection on missing women Signup and view all the answers

What were the community members feeling towards the FBI's handling of the case?

Convinced of indifference Signup and view all the answers

What were some causes classified for the deaths examined by the FBI?

Homicide, drowning, and unknown causes Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of the gatherings across the U.S. on May 5?

To acknowledge the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Native Women and Girls. Signup and view all the answers

What did Roxanne White ask the marchers during the event?

For the names of women and men who were missing. Signup and view all the answers

What emotion did Roxanne White express regarding the accountability of authorities in missing persons cases?

Frustration about the lack of action by authorities. Signup and view all the answers

Which color did the tribal members wear during the march led by Roxanne White?

Red, to honor missing women and girls. Signup and view all the answers

How did Roxanne White characterize the identity of those who are missing?

As part of historical injustices faced by Indigenous people. Signup and view all the answers

What inspired Gina Mosbrucker to advocate for the issue of missing and murdered Indigenous women?

The 2017 film 'Wind River'. Signup and view all the answers

Which law allowed tribal courts to pursue certain domestic violence cases involving non-Native people?

The 2013 Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act. Signup and view all the answers

What primary tool is Annita Lucchesi building to address the issue of missing and murdered Indigenous women?

A comprehensive historical database. Signup and view all the answers

Why do some families in Canada express dissatisfaction with the inquiry into missing and murdered Indigenous women?

They believe it has been mismanaged and re-traumatizing. Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of Indigenous women reportedly experienced violence in their lifetime according to the National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey?

84 percent Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant issue affecting the investigation of missing persons in Indigenous communities?

Complex jurisdictional issues between law enforcement. Signup and view all the answers

Which piece of legislation aims to improve data collection regarding missing Indigenous persons?

Savanna's Act. Signup and view all the answers

According to historical data, American Indians experienced rape or sexual assault at what rate compared to other racial groups?

Twice as likely. Signup and view all the answers

What factor significantly limits the accuracy of data on missing and murdered Indigenous women?

Confusion over jurisdictional responsibilities. Signup and view all the answers

Which piece of data highlights the severity of violence against Indigenous women?

Indigenous women have a homicide rate three times that of white women. Signup and view all the answers

What is one way proposed laws aim to improve the situation for missing Indigenous persons?

Add tribal affiliation to federal databases. Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of Indigenous women reported experiencing sexual violence according to the 2010 survey?

56 percent Signup and view all the answers

What challenges do organizers face in their efforts to address the issue of violence against Indigenous women?

Insufficient collaboration with impacted communities. Signup and view all the answers

What does the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) rely on for data submission?

Voluntary submissions from law enforcement. Signup and view all the answers

What legislation is being developed to enhance the investigation of missing and murdered Indigenous people?

Legislation requiring the Department of Justice to create investigation protocols Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is mentioned as underlying violence against Indigenous women in the proposed task force?

Historical and cultural factors related to societal norms Signup and view all the answers

What common belief affected the investigation of Carolyn DeFord's mother's case?

Adults have a right to disappear without police intervention Signup and view all the answers

According to advocates, what is a significant oversight in current legislation regarding missing Indigenous women?

It allows for reliance on Western legal frameworks Signup and view all the answers

What did the inquiry in Canada reveal about police investigations into missing and murdered women?

They were blatant failures due to systemic bias Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the primary focuses of Canada's Truth and Reconciliation Commission related to Indigenous women?

Addressing violence and discrimination against Indigenous women Signup and view all the answers

What personal experience influenced Jamie Becker-Finn's legislative efforts on missing Indigenous women?

Her great-grandmother's unresolved disappearance Signup and view all the answers

Which organization has been involved in advocating for the rights of Indigenous women in Canada?

Amnesty International Signup and view all the answers

What does the task force in Minnesota aim to improve about cases of missing Indigenous women?

Tracking and preventing violence through systemic analysis Signup and view all the answers

What sentiment does Carolyn DeFord express regarding the police response when her mother went missing?

She believed they rushed to conclusions based on her mother's past Signup and view all the answers

In what way was the inquiry into missing and murdered Indigenous women in Canada perceived by families?

As a disappointing response failing to bring justice Signup and view all the answers

What were the estimated numbers of missing and murdered Indigenous women in Canada between 1980 and 2012, according to the RCMP?

1,181 Signup and view all the answers

What does the movement around missing and murdered Indigenous women stress about the nature of violence?

It highlights the long-term effects of government actions Signup and view all the answers

What common issue in investigations of missing Indigenous persons is highlighted by DeFord's outreach efforts?

Delayed investigations due to stereotypes Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the key recommendations of the commission resulting from the class-action lawsuit related to Canada’s residential schools?

Launch an inquiry into missing and murdered Indigenous women Signup and view all the answers

What was a common concern expressed by families and advocates regarding the commissioners chosen for the inquiry?

They lacked input from grassroots organizations Signup and view all the answers

What did Cywink and other advocates call for in a letter addressed to Chief Commissioner Marion Buller?

A complete overhaul of the inquiry’s structure Signup and view all the answers

What did Cywink express concern about regarding the inquiry's handling of family testimonies?

There was a lack of clarity on how stories would be used Signup and view all the answers

What sentiment did many families and advocates feel about the government’s attention to Indigenous issues after Trudeau's announcement?

Relief and validation Signup and view all the answers

How did Amanda Takes War Bonnet view the possibility of a similar situation occurring in the U.S. to that of Canada?

Unlikely to happen in the same way soon Signup and view all the answers

What significant criticism did Cywink and others raise about the inquiry's methodology?

It acted without community engagement Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following roles did Heitkamp play regarding violence against Indigenous women?

Leader in legislative efforts Signup and view all the answers

What was a major action taken by the Trudeau administration that faced criticism from Canadian First Nations leaders?

Agreeing to purchase the controversial Trans Mountain Pipeline Signup and view all the answers

What kind of support did the Native Women’s Association of Canada express towards the inquiry?

Support for an indefinite extension Signup and view all the answers

What emotional response was commonly felt among families as the inquiry progressed?

Frustration with bureaucratic processes Signup and view all the answers

What was a recurring sentiment expressed about the inquiry's impact on communities?

It exacerbated emotional burdens Signup and view all the answers

How did Cywink suggest the inquiry should proceed after gathering extensive testimonies?

Create a comprehensive public report Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) in the US and Canada

Indigenous women disproportionately experience homicide and disappearances.
Lack of a specific term for the issue initially hindered efforts.
Roxanne White, a Yakama and Nez Perce activist, became a leader in the movement after experiencing this firsthand
FBI re-examined 16 deaths near the Yakama reservation (mostly Native American women 1980-1992) finding no single serial killer.
Recent Washington State law mandates data collection of MMIW cases.
The law's sponsor, Gina Mosbrucker, was inspired by the 2017 film "Wind River," which brought attention to the problem.

Data Collection & Systemic Issues

Annita Lucchesi created a database of MMIW/MMIW cases (1900-present) including information from news, law enforcement, government, Native communities. 2,501 cases documented but data is incomplete.
Lack of government data collection on missing persons, compounded by jurisdictional issues with reservation lands.
Data reveals violence against Indigenous women is widespread:
- 84% of Indigenous women report experiencing violence.
- 56% have experienced sexual violence.
- Homicide rate three times higher for Indigenous women than white women.
- Murder rates disproportionately high in some counties for Indigenous women impacting investigations.
Problems stem from domestic violence, sex trafficking, police indifference, racism, limited resources for tribal governments, and jurisdictional conflicts.
Tribal courts often lack jurisdiction over perpetrators.

Legislative Initiatives

Savanna's Act (2017): proposed legislation requiring federal agencies to update databases, improve access to tribal governments, develop investigation standards, and publish annual reports with stats and recommendations. Introduced by Senator Heidi Heitkamp.
Minnesota legislation to create a task force to identify historical issues and solutions
Data gathering and protocol improvements are essential goals.

Canadian Context and Challenges

Canada's National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) launched in 2016.
Initial enthusiasm among families gradually waned, with issues like commissioner selection, lack of community input, and perceived lack of support
Families and advocates feel the inquiry was mismanaged.
Critics, including the Native Women's Association of Canada, are concerned about the scope of the inquiry. families are advocating for a focus on implementation and on addressing underlying causes beyond the legal framework.

Ongoing Needs and Empowerment

The movement emphasizes understanding the societal and historical roots of the violence rather than the specifics of each case.
Advocates advocate for local community-led solutions
Local Indigenous communities are taking the lead in demanding justice.
Gathering information about the missing women and holding the officials accountable is a key component of stopping the violence.
Community organizing, grassroots movements, and community-based initiatives are critical for success

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Description

Explore the alarming issue of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) in the US and Canada, addressing systemic failures, data collection challenges, and advocacy efforts. Learn about key figures, such as Roxanne White, and legislative changes aimed at improving data transparency and support. This quiz highlights the cultural and social impact of MMIW, raising awareness about a critical human rights issue.