Resolution Backs May 5, 2026, as National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls

This resolution is all about shining a brighter light on a really tough issue: the disproportionately high rates of violence, murder, and human trafficking faced by American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women and girls. It’s pushing to officially designate May 5, 2026, as a 'National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.' Think of it as a national moment to pause, remember, and call for action.

Why May 5th?

The date isn't just picked out of a hat. May 5th is specifically chosen to honor Hanna Harris, a member of the Northern Cheyenne Tribe whose murder after being reported missing in Lame Deer, Montana, became a tragic symbol for this crisis. This resolution aims to make sure that the stories of individuals like Hanna, and countless others, aren't forgotten, whether their cases have hit the headlines or not. It’s about creating a day for public commemoration and showing solidarity with the families who’ve been left to grapple with these tragedies.

What Else Is On The Table?

Beyond establishing a day of remembrance, this resolution also nudges the Department of Justice’s National Institute of Justice to commission a new study. Why? Because the last big study on missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls was published in 2016. A lot has happened in a decade, and getting updated statistics is crucial for understanding the current scope of the crisis and figuring out what needs to be done next. It acknowledges that while there have been positive efforts, like the 2019 Task Force on Missing and Murdered American Indians and Alaska Natives and the 2020 Savanna’s Act, there’s still a long road ahead to truly tackle this nationwide crisis. Essentially, it’s a call to keep the conversation going, keep the data fresh, and keep pushing for solutions.