“In New York State, the true magnitude of the MMIW crisis remains obscured”
By: Johanna Elattar
The crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) remains a profound and urgent human rights issue in the United States, casting a long shadow over Indigenous communities across the nation, including those in Western New York. Indigenous women experience violence, abductions, and murder at rates far exceeding those of other demographics, yet systemic barriers continue to hinder effective prevention, investigation, and resolution of these cases. This crisis is both a reflection of historical injustices and an ongoing failure of societal and governmental systems to protect some of the most vulnerable individuals in our country.
The scope of the issue is staggering. In 2016, the National Crime Information Center recorded 5,712 reports of missing American Indian and Alaska Native women and girls. Yet shockingly, only 116 of these cases were entered into the U.S. Department of Justice’s federal missing persons database. This glaring discrepancy points to systemic failures in data collection, reporting, and prioritization that allow many of these cases to remain unaddressed. These numbers are not mere statistics; they represent lives, families, and communities devastated by loss and unanswered questions.
In New York State, the true magnitude of the MMIW crisis remains obscured due to inadequate data collection and underreporting. Cases are frequently misclassified or overlooked, often due to jurisdictional complexities involving tribal lands, local authorities, and federal agencies. Recognizing the urgent need for action, Governor Kathy Hochul took a significant step in 2023 by signing legislation to create a task force dedicated to addressing cases of missing women and girls, particularly those who are Black, Indigenous, or people of color (BIPOC). This task force aims to confront systemic gaps in case handling, improve coordination between agencies, and foster community education to enhance prevention and response efforts.
The tragedy of Kaysera Stops Pretty Places, an 18-year-old Crow woman from Montana, underscores the critical flaws in how MMIW cases are often handled. Kaysera disappeared in August 2019, and her body was discovered days later in a suburban neighborhood of Hardin, Montana. Despite suspicious circumstances surrounding her death, the case remains unresolved, leaving her family to tirelessly advocate for justice. Kaysera’s story is emblematic of countless others where families are left to navigate a maze of systemic apathy and inefficiency in their search for answers.
In Western New York, local organizations are working to address this crisis. The Seven Dancers Coalition, for example, provides advocacy, support, and resources to families of missing and murdered Indigenous women, ensuring that their voices are heard. Educational institutions like Buffalo State College have hosted awareness events, fostering dialogue and shedding light on the crisis. The Seneca Nation has taken proactive measures by initiating programs aimed at bolstering community safety and improving collaboration with law enforcement agencies.
On the national level, federal legislation has sought to address the MMIW crisis. Savanna’s Act, named after Savanna LaFontaine-Greywind, a pregnant Indigenous woman who was murdered in 2017, mandates improved data collection and information sharing among law enforcement agencies. The Not Invisible Act complements these efforts by establishing a commission to combat violence against Indigenous women and enhance coordination between tribal, federal, state, and local authorities. While these measures are steps in the right direction, their implementation must be robust and accompanied by sustained advocacy to yield meaningful change.
The MMIW crisis in Western New York is a microcosm of a broader, deeply entrenched issue affecting Indigenous communities nationwide. Addressing this crisis requires a multifaceted and collaborative approach, combining legislative reform, improved data practices, and community-driven advocacy. Raising public awareness is equally crucial, ensuring that the stories of missing and murdered Indigenous women are not forgotten and that their lives are honored. Only through a united effort can we hope to confront the systemic issues at the heart of this crisis and work toward a future where Indigenous women are safe, valued, and protected.
Additional reading here: https://www.niwrc.org/mmiwr-awareness
Johanna Elattar is a Hornell NY based writer keen on telling stories like this with local connections. She also enjoys local special interest stories, community events, and small business features. Contact her anytime, americangrrl70@gmail.com
