Missing persons

Grassroots efforts working to increase national awareness and understanding of the Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons crisis are highlighted in this video. Also referred to as Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW), Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG), Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives (MMIR), or other names specific to a Tribal community (such as Missing and Murdered Diné Relatives, MMDR, in the Navajo Nation); each acronym represents the generations of American Indians and Alaska Natives that have mourned missing or murdered loved ones. Working together can help bring healing and justice.

OVC Acting Director Katherine Darke Schmitt gave remarks during a special event, hosted by the Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, and Administration for Native Americans, to honor missing and murdered American Indians and Alaska Natives in commemoration of President Biden’s 2021 proclamation on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness Day.