- 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
Gun Lake Casino Toys for Tots Charity Event Runs Dec. 1-16A Message from EEOC Chair Charlotte A. Burrows for 2023 Native American Heritage Month
Today is Native American Women's Equal Pay Day. Here's Why It Matters.
THIS DAY IN HISTORY: 230 Cheyenne & Arapaho Massacred at Sand Creek
Native ‘water warriors’ took to canoes during recent Port of Tacoma protest. Here’s why
Together, we can educate, enlighten, and empower.
November is celebrated as “Native American Heritage Month.” At Native News Online, we amplify Native voices and share our relatives’ unique perspectives every day of the year. We believe every month should celebrate Native American heritage.If you appreciate our commitment to Native voices and our mission to tell stories that connect us to our roots and inspire understanding and respect, we hope you will consider making a donation this month to support our work. For those who commit to a recurring donation of $12 per month or more, or make a one-time donation of $150 or greater, we're excited to offer you a copy of our upcoming Indian Boarding School publication and access to our quarterly Founder’s Circle meetings and newsletter.
