The Crisis by the Numbers

The statistics reveal a systemic failure to protect Indigenous lives. Because these cases often span complex law enforcement jurisdictions, a staggering number goes unsolved, overlooked, or are never properly classified.

California: Our state currently has the 5th highest number of MMIP cases in the U.S.

Alaska: Native communities in Alaska face some of the highest rates of violence and disappearances in the country, often with little to no local law enforcement presence to investigate. Remote geography and jurisdictional gaps contribute to these disproportionate numbers.

United States: Native American women are murdered at rates more than 10x the national average in some counties. Homicide is the 3rd leading cause of death for Indigenous women and girls (ages 10–24). In a single year, of over 5,700 reported cases, only 116 were logged in the Department of Justice’s federal database.

Canada: Indigenous women make up only 4% of the population but account for roughly 16% of all female homicides. Indigenous men and boys also face significantly higher rates of homicide than non-Indigenous men.

For our community on the Morongo Indian Reservation, this crisis is not just a statistic, it is a lived reality. We carry these stories in our hearts and ask you to join us in remembrance and prayer.

Honoring Our Relatives: 16 Names for Prayer

Behind every statistic is a sacred life. We ask that you join us in a moment of reflection as we remember these 16 Brothers & Sisters.

• Amy Porter (Morongo Reservation, CA): A beloved member of our Morongo community. Her family’s tireless search led to her discovery in 2024.
• Emily Pike (San Carlos Apache, AZ): Just 14 years old, Emily was found in early 2025 after going missing from a group home.
• Hanna Harris (Northern Cheyenne, MT): Her disappearance sparked “Hanna’s Act.” May 5th is observed on her birthday.
• Savanna LaFontaine-Greywind (Spirit Lake, ND): A mother-to-be whose death led to “Savanna’s Act,” a federal law to improve MMIP response.
• Kaysera Stops Pretty Places (Crow Reservation, MT): An 18-year-old whose family continues to fight for a thorough investigation.
• Aubrey Dameron (Cherokee Nation, OK): A transgender woman whose case highlights the risks to two-spirit and LGBTQ+ relatives.
• Ashley Loring HeavyRunner (Blackfeet, MT): A college student missing since 2017; her sister has testified before Congress for justice.
• Jocelyn Watt (Northern Arapaho, WY): A musician whose mother has become a leading voice for Wind River families.
• Pepita Redhair (Navajo Nation, AZ): Missing from Albuquerque since 2020, highlighting the crisis in urban centers.
• Matthew Broncho (Shoshone-Bannock, ID): Missing since 2019, his remains were recently identified in 2024, providing closure to his family.

Alaska;  

• Sonya Ivanoff (Nome, AK): Her murder in 2003 led to a historic conviction, serving as a reminder of accountability in the North.
• Cassandra Boskofsky (Anchorage – Alaska): Reported missing in 2019; her story was featured in a docuseries highlighting disparities in police investigations.
• Valerie Sifsof (Dillingham – Alaska): Missing since 2012; her family continues to call for better investigative protocols for missing Native people.

Canada; 

• Tina Fontaine (Sagkeeng First Nation, MB, Canada): Only 15, her 2014 death shocked Canada and led to the National Inquiry into MMIWG.
• Colten Boushie (Red Pheasant First Nation – Saskatchewan): A 22-year-old man whose death in 2016 and subsequent trial sparked a national conversation about justice.
• Nicole Hoar (Highway of Tears – British Columbia): Missing since 2002; her disappearance brought attention to the dozens of women missing along Highway 16.

Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves,  for the rights of all who are destitute.  Proverbs 31:8

Ways the Day is Observed: Wearing Red

Red is the official color of the movement. It is often said that red is the only color spirits can see; wearing it calls back the spirits of the missing and shows solidarity with their families. The day is known as “Red Dress Day” in Canada.

Marches and Vigils: Communities hold walks and prayer services to ensure these cases remain in the public eye.

National Awareness: Since 2017, the U.S. has formally recognized this day through presidential proclamations to encourage better resources and coordination for solving these cases.

Take Action in Your Community:

We encourage you to research in your area where you can be part of bringing awareness. Whether by sharing these stories on social media, attending local marches and vigils, your presence shows the world that these relatives are not forgotten.

In California, several events are held annually, including MMIP Awareness Week at the State Capitol featuring candlelight vigils and legislative hearings.

Local Tribal Marches: Many tribal nations and community organizations host flag-raising ceremonies and walks of remembrance throughout the month of May.

Please look into your local community organizations and tribal councils to find an event near you and stand in solidarity. 

Morongo Moravian Church says  

NO MORE STOLEN BROTHERS & SISTERS!

By Jessica Espinoza & Erica Rios  

Morongo Moravian Church/Western District Justice Team/MCNP Racial Justice Team