House Backs May 5th Awareness Day, Mandates New DOJ Study on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls

This resolution from the House of Representatives officially throws Congressional support behind designating May 5, 2025, as the “National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.” This isn't just a symbolic gesture; it’s Congress acknowledging a severe, ongoing public safety crisis. The resolution highlights grim statistics: over four out of five Native women experience violence, and homicide rates for Native women under 44 are more than ten times the national average.

The Data Gap and the Mandate

One of the most important parts of this resolution is the direct instruction it gives to the Department of Justice (DOJ). It asks the National Institute of Justice to “quickly put together a brand new study” on the data surrounding missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls. Why? Because the last comprehensive study was done way back in 2016. For those trying to allocate resources, design safety programs, or track trends—whether they’re working in law enforcement, social services, or Tribal governments—nine-year-old data is functionally useless. This new study is critical because it will give policymakers and advocates the current statistics needed to inform future, effective legislation.

Acknowledging the Resource Reality

The resolution doesn't shy away from the practical challenges on the ground. It specifically notes that even with existing laws like the Savannas Act and the Not Invisible Act, the funding available to local Tribal governments is often inadequate to cover the basic emergency and long-term needs of victims and their families. This is the real-world pinch point: while federal law enforcement has been directed to improve investigations, the local resources—the shelters, the crisis counselors, the immediate support networks—are often running on fumes. While the resolution itself doesn't allocate new money, officially recognizing this funding gap is a necessary first step for those who will later lobby Congress for actual appropriations.

What This Means for Communities

For families who have lost loved ones or are currently searching, the designation of May 5th as a National Day of Awareness provides official recognition and a moment for national remembrance, which can be an important part of healing and advocacy. More practically, the mandated DOJ study is the foundation for future action. If you're a Tribal leader or someone working in victim services, having current, credible federal data is the best tool you can get to argue for increased funding and better coordination. This resolution is essentially a strong signal that this crisis is officially on the federal radar and requires updated research to move forward effectively.