- Details
- By Native News Online Staff
The bill was spearheaded by Rep. Debra Lekanoff (D-40th District) — an enrolled member of the Tlingit tribe and the only Native woman to serve in the legislature — and was in response to a recommendation from a 2022 interim report by the Washington State MMIP task force. According to the same report, there are 113 MMIP cold cases in the state.
“It is our duty to support, protect, and uplift every community in our state. But, we can, and we must do better to advocate for the safety of Indigenous people in Washington,” Lekanoff said in a statement when the bill passed unanimously in Feb. “This bill is about valuing the lives of Indigenous women. It’s about making sure their lives matter. It’s about making sure my life matters.”
While data on MMIP remains limited, according to the 2020 National Crime Information Center Missing Person and Unidentified Person Statistics, there were 9,560 cases involving MMIP in the system.
More Stories Like This
Native News Weekly (August 25, 2024): D.C. BriefsUS Presidents in Their Own Words Concerning American Indians
Native News Weekly (August 4, 2024): D.C. Briefs
National Indian Gaming Commission Vice Chair Jeannie Hovland Honored with Woman Warrior Award
Haaland Speaks Directly to Voters on Trump, GOP Cuts to Clean Energy Jobs & Electricity Savings for NM Families
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.
