Fighting the MMIP Epidemic
When MMIP families are centered in the storytelling and healing process, the work to end this epidemic can truly begin.
The Missing and Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP) Storytelling Initiative exists to provide psychosocial safety nets for victims and families of MMIP, offering support services along their searching and healing journies, as they process grief, tell their stories, bolster awareness, and hold lawmakers accountable for addressing this epidemic in Indigenous communities.
Whilst colonization and Manifest Destiny sought to conquer and assimilate Indigenous land, people, and lifeways, "holidays" such as Halloween and Thanksgiving have perpetuated this work, by peddling fetishization and romanticizing history, warping the lens by which Indigenous persons are viewed. The result has been dehumanizing, as evidenced by the proliferation of Indigenous “mascots”. When such groups are seen as “other”, atrocities ensue.
Despite concerted efforts by Indigenous activists, communities and advocacy groups, the epidemic of Missing and Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP) remains unaddressed. Mainstream programs, systems and policies established to serve and protect other populations fail Indigenous contexts - including the tracking, reporting, and responding to violent crime. Thus, the true number of MMIP remains elusive.
However, we understand that even the best statistics can only tell a fraction of the story. While these numbers serve a purpose, they can also add to dehumanizing victims, and disconnect us from their personhood: We need to know their names, see their faces, and honor their lives, and hold the grief and love of their families; who are left alone to search on foot, organize a response while in crisis, mourn, and heal. This project is for them.
Our program offerings included:
Storytelling broadcasts: MMIP stories, as told by a representative from their family, broadcast live. These stories are then archived on our YouTube and social channels, as well as our website, for continued public access. Our website houses a page created for each woman, outlining her own biographical sketch, and linking to her video story of the missing/murdered relative, and any respective direct action campaign that has been created for search efforts.
Public education and awareness campaigns
Facilitating MMIP support groups (monthly), workshops, and events
Providing linkages to care, counseling, and shelter for MMIP victims and families
Underwriting funeral costs and burial expenses for MMIP families
Ribbon Skirt Making Workshops (virtual, 2x per year)
Annual events on May 5th, the National Day of Awareness for MMIP
Regional networking of MMIP victims and families + MMIP Symposia Convening
Care kit dissemination to MMIP victims and family members
The Challenge
Existing systems fail Indigenous communities impacted by violence, colonization, and systemic racism. Families of missing or murdered loved ones urgently need support and resources. Survivors of sexual violence and kidnapping deserve wellness care and healing. The hypersexualization and tokenization of Indigenous women by corporations and culture fuel this violence and must end. This epidemic of violence is real and demands immediate action.
The Solution
We amplify alerts for missing relatives and enable real-time information sharing to unite search efforts when every moment counts. We save lives by providing essential care to those searching for loved ones. Through therapy and beading sessions, we support mental recovery and healing. We break media silence and hold companies accountable for promoting violence against Indigenous women, demanding action together.
Long-term Impact
It is our goal to honor those who have suffered, those we have lost, and humanize statistics so that those who live on are respected and know their loved ones are honored, too. We must advocate for policy change, demand more resources and capacity, and wake people up to how certain extractive industries contribute so much harm to our people.
