May 5, 2021: Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women Awareness day

WHEREAS, this day of observance brings awareness to the staggering number of abducted and murdered Indigenous women and girls; and,

 

WHEREAS, in some areas of the country, Indigenous women are murdered at a rate of ten times the national average; and,

 

WHEREAS, in some areas of the country, acts of violence are committed against 85% of Indigenous two spirit people; and,

 

WHEREAS, the state of Michigan is home to twelve Tribal Nations since time immemorial, and more than 100,000 American Indian / Alaskan Natives; and,

 

WHEREAS, in response to this epidemic of violence, the Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women and People (#MMIW/#MMIP) movement is drawing much-needed attention from law enforcement, legislators, and the general public; and,

 

WHEREAS, identifying the root causes of the danger to Indigenous women is key to identifying solutions. We must address the systemic causes, collect and report data, reduce and eliminate violence, and help Indigenous women and girls heal from violence; and,

 

WHEREAS, on this day, we commemorate the lives of missing and murdered Indigenous women, continue to shine a light on this issue, and promote policies that will help solve this pervasive and tragic problem;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim May 5, 2021 as Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women Awareness Day.