UKB Recognizes MMIW Awareness Day on May 5th

Wear Red, May 5th to advocate and show support.

By: LANI HANSEN, Senior Reporter/Media Specialist

TAHLEQUAH, Okla- It was one year ago when Chief Jeff Wacoche signed the declaration to observe Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women Awareness Day.

Facts and information from the National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center:

• Murder is the third leading cause of death for American Indian and Alaska Native women and girls, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

• American Indian and Alaska Native women experience a murder rate 10 times higher than the national average.

• More than four in five American Indian and Alaska Native women (84.3%) have experienced violence in their lifetime.

• 56.1% have experienced sexual violence, 55.5% have experienced physical violence by an intimate partner, and 48.8% have experienced stalking, according to the National Institute of Justice.

• 64% of trafficking survivors in Hawaii identified as being part Native Hawaiian, according to Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women reports.

• 
  

The MMIW Awareness Day is a national day to honor victims, support families and raise awareness about high rates of violence against Native women. This day encourages wearing red and advocating for policy reform to address the crisis.

The UKB is committed to honoring the lives of all its missing and murdered relatives, showing support in raising awareness and supporting effective families by strengthening partnership with local agencies and organizations, advancing solutions with the Lighthorse Law Enforcement officers.