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National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Native Women and Girls

Floor Speech

Date: May 10, 2018
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Women Indigenous Peoples Criminal Justice

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Ms. BONAMICI. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize May 5, 2018 as the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Native Women and Girls. Native women in the U.S. face tragically high rates of violence, sexual assault, and murder. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, homicide is the third leading cause of death for Native women and girls between the ages of 10 and 24 years old. A study commissioned by the Department of Justice found that, in some tribal communities, Native women face murder rates that are more than ten times the national average. This is unacceptable. I'm pleased that the Portland City Council recently passed a resolution recognizing the disproportionate effects of human trafficking on people of color in our region, but we must do more to protect Native women. Importantly, we must recognize the institutional racism and systematic inequalities they face, and we must seek justice on behalf of those who are missing or murdered. For those families who have not received justice, I stand with you. I'm committed to taking action to prevent these crimes in the future, and hope that your missing loved one will return home soon.

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