CHICAGO — Under blue skies, some 175 American Indians and allies gathered near Chicago, at the River Trail Nature Center in Northbrook, Illinois, to attend the "#MMIW: Gone Missing: #No More Stolen Sisters" event on Saturday, May 1.
The purpose of the event was to honor the missing and murdered Indigenous women. Attendees heard speakers discuss the problem that is often overlooked in the United States. Organizers of the event felt it important to bring attention to the issue that is of epidemic proportions in Indian Country and discuss the lack of justice for the thousands of stolen Native sisters and their families.
Native women face murder rates more than 10 times the national average murder rate, more than 5,000 American Indian and Alaska Native women are missing and 55 percent of Native women have experienced domestic violence, according to the most recent data from the U.S. Department of Justice.
The American Indian Health Service of Chicago, American Indian Center of Chicago, Native American Chamber of Commerce of Illinois, Kateri Center and Forest Preserves of Cook County sponsored the event.
Shannon Martin (Gun Lake Tribe) served as the emcee of the event. Photographs by Punkin Shananaquet.
Edior's Note: Shannon Martin contributed to this article from Chicago.
More Stories Like This
Native News Weekly (August 25, 2024): D.C. BriefsNative News Weekly (August 4, 2024): D.C. Briefs
Trump Administration Rescinds Funding Freeze Memo, Easing Tribal Concerns
Federal Judge Blocks Trump Administration's Funding Freeze, Tribal Programs Protected for Now
Cheyenne River Youth Project Prepares to Host 25th Annual Passion for Fashion Event on March 8
Can we take a minute to talk about tribal sovereignty?
Our mission draws from the warrior spirit that has sustained Indigenous peoples for generations — the same spirit that drives us to stand guard over tribal rights through relentless investigation and fearless reporting.
Sovereignty isn't just a concept – it's the foundation of Native nations' right to govern, protect our lands, and preserve our cultures. Every story we publish strengthens tribal sovereignty.
Unlike mainstream media, we center Indigenous voices and report directly from Native communities. When we cover land rights, water protection, or tribal governance, we're not just sharing news – we're documenting our living history and defending our future.
Our journalism is powered by readers, not shareholders. If you believe in the importance of Native-led media in protecting tribal sovereignty, consider supporting our work today.
