The crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Relatives (MMIWR) continues to devastate Native communities across the United States. On some reservations, Indigenous women are murdered at rates exceeding ten times the national average. In 2024, the Federal Bureau of Investigation reported 10,248 cases of missing Indigenous persons, with 5,614 being women and 4,626 men. Alarmingly, 95% of these cases received no coverage from mainstream media. Additionally, 56.1% of Indigenous women have experienced sexual violence, highlighting the pervasive nature of this issue.

May 5th has been designated as the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Relatives. This day honors the lives of those lost and sheds light on the tragedies impacting Native communities. It also emphasizes the need for grassroots advocacy and systemic change at all governmental levels to address these injustices. Wearing red on this day symbolizes solidarity and a call to action.

In 2026, various events are planned to raise awareness and honor MMIWR. On February 14, the annual Missing & Murdered Indigenous Relatives March will take place in Minneapolis, beginning with a program at the Minneapolis American Indian Center, followed by a march through the Phillips neighborhood. On May 5, the National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center will host a webinar titled "Reflections and Pathways Forward on MMIWR, Domestic Violence, and Native Maternal Health." Additionally, the Native Performing Arts Network is organizing nationwide theater readings of plays by Native American writers addressing the MMIWR crisis.

These events aim to honor the lives of missing and murdered Indigenous relatives, raise public awareness, and advocate for systemic changes to end this crisis. Community participation and support are crucial in driving the necessary reforms to protect Indigenous women and relatives.