U.S. Attorney's Office Commemorates Missing Or Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness Day

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – U.S. Attorney Dena J. King and the U.S. Attorney’s Office join the Department of Justice, partners across the federal government, and people throughout American Indian and Alaska Native communities in recognizing May 5 as National Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) Awareness Day.

“There is still so much more to do in the face of persistently high levels of violence that Tribal communities have endured for generations, and that women and girls, particularly, have endured,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “In carrying out our work, we seek to honor those who are still missing, those who were stolen from their communities, and their loved ones who are left with unimaginable pain. Tribal communities deserve safety, and they deserve justice. This day challenges all of us at the Justice Department to double down on our efforts, and to be true partners with Tribal communities as we seek to end this crisis.”

“Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness Day is a time to stand with our Tribal communities in honoring and remembering the loved ones who were lost to violence or remain missing,” said U.S. Attorney King. “It is also a moment to reaffirm our commitment to continue to collaborate with our Tribal partners to enhance public safety, address the root causes of violence that disproportionately harm Tribal communities, and support crime victims, survivors, and their families.”

In recognition of MMIP Awareness Day, Attorney General Merrick B. Garland highlighted the Justice Department’s ongoing efforts to tackle the MMIP and trafficking crises in American Indian and Alaska Native communities, and other pressing public safety challenges, like the fentanyl crisis, in Tribal communities.

To commemorate MMIP Awareness Day, U.S. Attorney’s Office personnel will participate in the 5^th Annual Walk and Vigil for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives on Sunday, May 5, at Oconaluftee Island Park, in Cherokee.

For additional information about the Department of Justice’s efforts to address the MMIP crisis, please visit the Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons section of the Tribal Safety and Justice website. Click here for more information about reporting or identifying missing persons.