No More Stolen Sisters
In both the United States and Canada, violence against Indigenous women and relatives has reached crisis levels. More than four in five American Indian, First Nations and Alaska Native women have experienced violence in their lifetime, and more than one in two have experienced sexual violence, according to the Indian Law Resource Center. Data collection remains inconsistent and incomplete, yet what we do know is deeply troubling. Cases are often underreported, misclassified or left unresolved, and families too frequently face inadequate or delayed responses from law enforcement and federal agencies. In some communities, Indigenous women are murdered at rates more than 10 times the national average.
Behind every statistic is a daughter, sister, mother, aunt or friend whose absence is felt every day. This national movement calls attention not only to the lives lost, but also to the systemic inequities that have allowed this crisis to persist. Tribal leaders, advocates and families continue to demand accountability, improved data collection, interagency coordination and meaningful policy change.
That is why on May 5 we observe the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous People, also known as MMIP. We invite the community to stand with us by participating in day of activities at the Eiteljorg Museum. From 11 a.m.- 3:30 p.m. you can join in a public art activation on our front lawn, where visitors can use red chalk to place handprints along our front sidewalk, serving as a symbol for the voices of those who have been silenced. At 1 p.m., we encourage you to listen to Award-Winning Beadwork Artist, Katrina Mitten (Miami Tribe of Oklahoma) as she discusses how her artwork reflects this pandemic. Mitten has spent nearly 50 years practicing traditional Great Lakes embroidery style native beadwork through her study of family and heirlooms, museum collections, and practice. The imagery she creates is inspired by the world around her, calling attention to the nationwide crisis affecting Native communities.
All events are included with Museum Admission.
What is MMIP?
The National Day of Awareness for Missing & Murdered Indigenous People, also know as Red Dress Day, is a day for action and awareness. The National Crime Information Center reports that in 2016, there were 5,712 reports of missing American Indian and Alaska Native women and girls. However, the U.S. Department of Justice’s federal persons database, NamUs, only recorded 116 cases. The majority of these murders are committed by non-Native people on Native-owned land. As of 2021, there are still gaps in the data on violence. According to the National Congress of American Indians’ Policy Research Center, the lack in information is due to underreporting and racial and ethnic misnaming within records for missing American Indian and Alaskan Native women and girls. The National Day of recognition, was inspired by Metis artist Jamie Black, who hung empty red dresses in honor of missing and murdered women.
How can I take action on MMIP Day?
On May 5, we observe the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and People with a day of action. Across the country, people are encouraged to wear red and create handprints as a visible act of remembrance and solidarity. The red handprint symbolizes the silenced voices of those who have been taken and the ongoing call for justice.
MMIP Day Public Art Activation
11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 5
Visitors may use red chalk to place handprints along our front sidewalk in honor of those who will never return home. Together, we remember, we raise awareness and we reaffirm our commitment to advocacy and change.
MMIP Month Public Art Activation
Daily during the month of May
Engage with a month-long activation where you can learn more about some of the most striking statistics of this crisis, take resource sheets with a list of organizations you can donate to, grab a button to show your support, or leave a message on the wall using red dress paper cutouts.
MMIP Day Art Discussion
1 p.m. Tuesday, May 5 in Clowes Sculpture Court
Listen to Award-Winning Beadwork Artist, Katrina Mitten (Miami Tribe of Oklahoma) as she discusses how her artwork reflects MMIP. Mitten has spent nearly 50 years practicing traditional Great Lakes embroidery style native beadwork through her study of family and heirlooms, museum collections, and practice. The imagery she creates is inspired by the world around her, calling attention to the nationwide crisis affecting Native communities.
