The Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness Day event was hosted by three local Potawatomi tribes. Native and non-Native allies marched through downtown Grand Rapids giving voice to the thousands of unsolved cases involving their loved ones.
“It raises awareness, often among people that have no idea, that there is such a horrendous amount of violence that is committed against indigenous peoples.”
Melissa L. Pope is Chief Justice of the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi Tribal Court. She says that MMIP Awareness Day is not only about remembering those victims but educating younger generations.
“Not only MMIP, but also about human trafficking, as there is a very strong connection between these pieces. People can learn how to identify it, how to report, and how to be supportive of victims.”
According to the Bureau of Indian Affairs, there are 4,000 open MMIP cases connected to Michigan, despite Native Americans making up less than 1% of the state’s population. The BIA estimates there are 4,200 known cases nationally that remain unsolved.
“I know that when they feel they have a strong case that they will prosecute, but I believe that it needs to be built better.”
For a weekly dose of news right to your inbox, sign up for the WGVU newsletter.
