Overview:
The Navajo Nation's Missing and Murdered Diné Relatives Task Force hosted the Every Child Matters Awareness Walk to honor children impacted by violence, raise awareness, and reaffirm its commitment to protecting Native children through prevention, education, and community partnerships.
Families, advocates, Navajo Nation leaders, and community members gathered Monday for the Every Child Matters Awareness Walk, an event hosted by the Missing and Murdered Diné Relatives (MMDR) Task Force to honor Native American children who have gone missing, lost their lives, or have been impacted by violence and trauma.
The walk underscored the Navajo Nation’s ongoing commitment to protecting children and supporting families through prevention, education, and community partnerships. Participants walked together to the Navajo Nation Council Chamber in a show of solidarity with grieving families and to raise awareness about the importance of safeguarding Native children.
The 25th Navajo Nation Council and the MMDR Task Force continue to strengthen laws, expand public awareness, and support initiatives designed to protect children and families across the Navajo Nation while working to prevent future tragedies.
“Every child deserves safety, love, and protection. The Every Child Matters Awareness Walk honors lost children, supports grieving families, and reaffirms that they are not alone,” said MMDR Task Force Chairwoman Amber Kanazbah Crotty. “The Missing and Murdered Diné Relatives Task Force is dedicated to prevention, improving resources and training, and advocating for policies that protect children. We strive to ensure every Navajo child is valued and can thrive in a safe community.”
The event also highlighted resources available to children and families. Anthony Begay, program manager for the Navajo Treatment Center for Children & Families, discussed the program’s efforts to connect Navajo youth with counseling, mental health services, and trauma-informed care. The center serves children ages 4 to 17 through individualized treatment plans that include cognitive behavioral therapy and other evidence-based approaches to help young people recover from trauma and abuse.
Speaker Crystalyne Curley joined participants in the awareness walk and encouraged families and communities to continue supporting efforts that ensure children can grow up in safe, nurturing environments.
“The reason we’re wearing red today is to raise awareness that every child matters and to celebrate all our children,” Curley said. “It’s a good blessing to welcome all our trail riders. The moisture and being surrounded by horses here in front of the council chambers mean a lot. That is a strength of our people.”
The MMDR Task Force continues to provide prevention education, training, and public awareness throughout the Navajo Nation, equipping communities with resources to respond when a child or loved one goes missing while strengthening long-term efforts to protect children and families.
