Raising awareness for missing and murdered Indigenous women
Campus-wide events on March 24 to spotlight the MMIW2S crisis, honor missing women, and amplify Indigenous voices through ceremony, art, and advocacy
May 5, known as Red Dress Day, is the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit (MMIW2S) peoples. On Tuesday, March 24, the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and the Multicultural Resource Center will host a day of events to shine a light on this issue. This awareness campaign will highlight the disproportionately high rates of violence, trafficking, and unsolved murders affecting Indigenous women, girls, and “Two-Spirit” LGBTQ+ individuals in the United States and Canada.
Tonya Shenandoah, assistant director for Native American and Indigenous Student Initiatives, notes that more than 84% of Native American and Alaska Native women have experienced violence in their lifetime and are more likely to be victims of assault, abduction, or murder.
“It really is a crisis affecting a group that has been historically socially, economically, and politically marginalized,” she said.
These issues stem largely from the legacy of colonialism, including systemic racism, inadequate law enforcement, jurisdictional gaps in tribal areas, and generational trauma. Increased rates of poverty, homelessness, and limited media coverage have also contributed to thousands of unsolved cases.
March 24 activities will include a ceremony to honor missing women, with an induction by Cayuga Chief Sam George, at 1 p.m. in the Fine Arts Grand Corridor. A full schedule of activities is included below.
MMIW2S Awareness
Noon – 4 p.m.
Tabling along the Spine
Noon – 8 p.m.
Art and Poetry Exhibit in the Fine Arts Grand Corridor
1 p.m.
Opening address by Cayuga Chief Sam George in the Fine Arts Grand Corridor, with welcoming remarks from Dr. Tonya Shenandoah (Oneida), Assistant Director of Native American and Indigenous Student Initiatives.
1:40 p.m.
Memorial ceremony at the Peace Quad to honor the MMIW2S lost sisters and their families.
5 to 7 p.m.
Poetry reading by the Slam Poetry Club and film screening with Jonel Beauvais, Mohawk Youth and Community Advocate, in Fine Arts 258.
7 to 8 p.m.
Reception with light refreshments.
For more information, contact the event organizer at tshenandoah@binghamton.edu