Blackfeet Nation residents march through Browning to commemorate a national day of awareness for missing and murdered Indigenous people. May 5, 2022. (Photo/Montana Public Radio - Aaron Bolton)

The Coalition of Large Tribes (COLT) will host a three-day training for law enforcement programs within its member tribes, focusing on the Missing and Murdered Indigenous People/Women (MMIW/P) crisis. The training is scheduled to take place from October 23, 2023, to October 25, 2023, at the Billings Hotel & Convention Center, located at 1223 Mullowney Lane, Billings, Montana.

The decision to organize this training stems from the COLT’s executive board’s recognition of the insufficient funds allocated to address the MMIP/W crisis.

“Throughout history, tribal law enforcement has been consistently underfunded. To address this issue effectively and make the most of limited resources, we must provide advanced training to tribal law enforcement personnel, working to prevent these atrocities against our people,” COLT said in a press release, 

COLT is offering this training free of charge to law enforcement officers from its membership. The training sessions will be conducted by nationally recognized experts, with priority given to COLT Tribal Law Enforcement Programs for the 21 available slots. Currently, there are 12 slots remaining.

COLT kindly requests that its member tribes submit the names and ranks of three individuals who may wish to attend this training. Suggested attendees should include first responders, supervisors, and investigators involved in MMIP/W cases.

During the training, all participants will be provided with meals, and COLT will cover the cost of hotel rooms. Tribal leaders, including tribal administrators, are invited to attend the first day of training and evening dinners. They are welcome to stay and listen to all the training provided; however, they will not be able to actively participate in the training or discussions.

For more information, contact: OJ Semans, Sr. at tateota@hotmail.com

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