As the national day to commemorate Missing or Murdered Indigenous People — or MMIP — on May 5 nears, the California Native American Legislative Caucus will mark the first week in May with a round of activities highlighting disproportionate cases of violence against Native Americans.
California has two tribes that have declared a state of emergency because of violence against their tribal members.
Round Valley Indian Tribes declared a state of emergency in April, after two members were found murdered, the latest victims in Northern California of Missing or Murdered Indigenous People.
The tribal action was preceded in December of 2021 by the Yurok Tribe, in Humboldt County.
The Yurok Tribe action followed seven women reported being approached by possible traffickers and the still-unsolved case of Emmilee Risling, reported missing in October 2021.
The Yurok Tribe has been at the forefront in confronting the crisis and called for a summit of California tribes and others held last year to address the issue.
Summit participants called for implementation of a public notification alert when Native Americans go missing — the 2022 “Feather Alert” law, similar to the Amber Alert, written by Assemblymember James C. Ramos (D-San Bernardino).
In Lake County, Tribal Health is planning a special community event to draw attention to the MMIP epidemic on Friday, May 5, from 2 to 7 p.m. at 1950 Parallel Drive in Lakeport.
MMIP WEEK OF CAPITOL ACTIVITIES
• Tuesday, May 2, 8:30 to 9:15 a.m.: News briefing in State Capitol Room 317 on the vital issues spotlighted this week. Attending will be tribal chairpersons, including two who have issued emergency declarations on this issue, as well as Ramos, other lawmakers, advocates, and members of the Assembly Select Committee on Native American Affairs. It will be livestreamed on Ramos’ Facebook page and YouTube.
• Tuesday, May 2, through Friday, May 5: Capitol Dome illuminated in red for the first time ever to commemorate Missing or Murdered Indigenous People.
• Tuesday, May 2, 9:30 a.m. to noon: Assembly Select Committee on Native American Affairs informational hearing on MMIP entitled, “Not Invisible: California’s Work to Combat the Crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous People.” State Capitol, Room 126. Among those participating are Ramos, select committee chair; tribal leaders; law enforcement representatives; and advocates. It will be televised here.
• Wednesday, May 3, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.: Candlelight vigil and program, state Capitol west steps. Anticipate 800 to 1,000 people. Tribal leaders, lawmakers, advocates, Native American cultural performances. It will be livestreamed on Ramos’ Facebook page.
• Thursday, May 4 at 9 a.m.: Assembly Floor Session. Assemblymember Ramos will open the session with a Native song and prayer memorializing MMIP. Vote also set on ACR 25, designating May as Missing and Murdered Indigenous People Month.