Native American Heritage Month
Missing Indigenous Women
Written by: Yvonne Morales, Ellen Drennan, Sarah Myose
November is a month known to give thanks and be grateful for all that surrounds us in our everyday lives. Yet, in the midst of celebration, there is also hurt in the communities that have helped shape our country into what it is today. This month of November is recognized as Native American Heritage Month or also as American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month. This month commemorates the diverse cultures and history of Indegenous Americans. This month serves as a vital educational opportunity for individuals on topics that specifically affect Indigenous Americans. Since the case of Gabrielle Petito, the kidnapping of a known social media user, an overwhelming issue that has affected Ingenous American communities came to light. The media’s difference in media coverage, and the authorities’ difference in treatment of cases of a white woman vs a woman of color have left the community in sadness, and the need for their voices to be heard.
Through the search of Petito’s body, it was also found that there have been about 710 or more indegneous women that have gone missing in the past decade alone. Out of the 710 missing cases reported in Wyoming, a report led by the University of Wyoming found that Indegneous people were 100% more likely to still be reported missing after 30 days than white people are. There is much speculation as to why the numbers would be so high. One large aspect is that this issue is not discussed enough. And even when discussed, people are quick to judge about the struggles of Indegneous American people. If a woman who was known to have used drugs were to go missing, she would be discredited and deemed not as a priority. Many aspects such as drug use, alcohol abuse, and more affect Americans nationally as well. People in Indigenous reservations are at higher risk of experiencing this impact. Regardless of who, or where one is, they should be treated as a priority when gone missing.
In 2016, the National Crime Information Center, reported that there were 5,712 reports of missing Native American women and girls. The US Department of Justice’s federal missing person database was only informed of 116 of those cases (“Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women”). The most disappointing portion of this is that only a small number of states have passed laws in order to make reports actually happen. A lot of this rise to action has happened since Petito’s tragic death. A lot of time, missing women go under the radar, and some reservations don’t have any police forces at all. Acts like the “Not Invisible Act” aim to unite tribal, local and federal enforcement together to bring forward actions that can help find the missing people. At the end of the day, the community is more susceptible due to the struggles of poverty, lack of empowerment, isolation and other social causes. This is why it’s important to empower the community and recognize the contributions they have made, for all of us to be where we are today.
During this month, we should advocate and spread awareness for Indigenous people and this land that we live on. Indigenous people in America have faced so much adversity and hardships, and yet they are still here today preserving their land and culture. Ways to spread awareness and learn more include learning about one’s local reservations and tribes. Attending Native American Museums helps one know more about their history. Reading books about Native Americans, Alaska Natives, or Native Hawaiians are also a great way to learn more. All such actions should be done whenever possible, not just one month a year! During this thanksgiving, please take a moment to reflect on the real history behind it, and to honor Natives in any way you can.
Here a few ways to decolonize your thanksgiving:
- Instead of celebrating a traditional thanksgiving, try a Native American dish(es)
- Read about the treaties the United States has established with tribes
- Listen to indegnous voices through podcast and testimonies they have shared
- Buy from Native people by visiting local bazaars, donate and research on areas around you that provide this opportunity: https://bazaar.culturalsurvival.org
Sources Used:
https://www.ncai.org/policy-issues/community-and-culture
https://www.diversityinc.com/the-biggest-issues-facing-the-native-american-community-right-now/
https://www.nativehope.org/en-us/understanding-the-issue-of-missing-and-murdered-indigenous-women
https://www.cnn.com/2019/04/09/us/native-american-murdered-missing-women/index.html