![]() When it comes to the number of those missing and murdered within the state, Arizona State University data shows the killing of Indigenous women and girls has been increasing over the past 40 years. The task force is a collaboration between state, federal and tribal agencies and will consult with tribal governments on the issues and work with law enforcement and tribal governments to track and collect data on violence against Indigenous people, including data on missing and murdered Indigenous people, among other things. Katie Hobbs signed an executive order establishing the Task Force on Missing and Murdered Indigenous People. But when we understand what kind of change and difference we can create, we try our best to do anything and everything.” We hurt on the reservation because we don't get the same representation or the same funding or anything people get in the city. A lot of us have relatives who are affected by it. “Generational trauma is the main source of it, we grow up knowing what MMIP, MMIW, MMIM stands for,” said Quitutua. The message may be to bring awareness to those missing, but Quitutua said they all walked for someone that day. When organizing the event, she said the Phoenix Indian Center was supportive of what the youth envisioned. A member of the Acoma Pueblo, Quitutua said the youth council put this event on in order to bring awareness to the issue and to bring a voice and represent those who are in need of representation. Quitutua, 17, a member of the youth council, read aloud an original poem that reflected on the missing individuals. ![]() and were able to get to the event just in time.Īt the end of the walk, Sumaya C. "We wanted the people who were murdered and are missing from our tribe to be recognized also," said Shavaughn, who said they started out at 6 a.m. ![]() Shavaughn Titla, 21, Miss Cibecue Apache Queen's first attendant, and Shatalya Titla, 9, Miss White Mountain Apache princess, drove in together from Alchesay, Arizona, that morning. Young adults and youth from different parts of the state traveled to Phoenix specifically for the event. Looking for justice: Families and advocates seek awareness for missing and murdered Indigenous people Everyone walked for someone “As young leaders in the community they are very aware of the issues, and a lot of them have been touched by that issue,” said Long. Levi Long, communication specialist for the Phoenix Indian Center, said the event was important for the youth group to organize. (The first year was virtual due to the pandemic.) The center's 2023 Walking For Our Relatives Walk-A-Thon honoring Missing and Murdered Indigenous People attracted over 500 walkers, the largest group the event has had since its inception three years ago. May 5 is recognized nationally as the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. All those whose cases are still being investigated.” I wanted to sing this song in remembrance of them and ask that Anpo Wicapi watch all those who are currently missing. “I decided to sing that song because of the importance to women. “Anpo Wicapi is the protector of women in Lakota, Dakota, Nakota culture, otherwise known as Sioux,” said Zaphier, who is Yankton Sioux and Navajo. The red shirts were to commemorate the event, which took place at the Phoenix Indian Center Saturday, and was planned by the Phoenix Indian Center youth council. Cante Zephier stood before a crowd of walkers, who were all donning red shirts, and sang the song you sing to Anpo Wicapi, the protector of women, in the morning before the group began their one-mile walk in awareness of Missing and Murdered Indigenous People.
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