“It’s unacceptable that cases like Kelly’s continue,” said Sen. Lisa Murkowski, emphasizing the urgent need for action on May 5, a day dedicated to raising awareness about Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Persons (MMIW/MMIP).
This year, various groups across California are hosting events to highlight the ongoing crisis of missing Indigenous people. The Pit River Tribe will hold its 2nd Annual MMIP Prayer Walk, while the Yurok Tribe organizes an MMIP Awareness Day event from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m.. Other tribes, including the Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation and Feather River Tribal Health, will also host events on the same day.
That context matters because it illustrates how communities are mobilizing to address a pressing issue. The crisis of MMIW has persisted for years, with many families feeling abandoned by law enforcement. Cases like that of Kelly Hunt exemplify this distrust, highlighting systemic failures in handling these sensitive situations.
Key events on May 5 include:
- The Pit River Tribe’s 2nd Annual MMIP Prayer Walk
- Feather River Tribal Health’s Awareness Day event
- Yurok Tribe’s MMIP Awareness Day event from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m.
- Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation’s Awareness Walk from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- LA Unity Walk for Justice and Unity starting at 10 a.m.
On May 6, further activities are planned, including a press conference at 9 a.m. and a candlelight vigil from 6 to 9 p.m. in Sacramento. These events aim to keep the conversation alive and push for better responses from law enforcement regarding MMIP cases.
Progress has been made in addressing this crisis, but as Sen. Murkowski noted, “there is much more work to do.” The collective efforts of Indigenous communities and allies reflect a growing commitment to seeking justice and ensuring that no one is forgotten.
