The crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) in the United States is not new. For centuries, Native women have endured violence and systemic neglect. Today, American Indian and Alaskan Native women still face higher rates of violence than any other group.
The Scope of the Problem
- Homicide is the third leading cause of death for Native girls and women ages 10–24.
- For ages 25–34, it is the fifth leading cause.
- On some reservations, women are murdered at rates 10 times the national average.
- Over 80% of Indigenous people report experiencing violence.
These aren’t just statistics. Each number represents a mother, daughter, or sister whose story deserves to be heard.
Where Cases Are Concentrated
Researchers analyzed data from NamUs, NCIC, and the Urban Indian Health Institute. They identified 23 “hot spots” across the U.S. with the highest numbers of MMIW cases.
Among them, five cities were marked as top priority because rates of violence were especially disproportionate compared to local Native populations.
What’s Driving the Crisis?
One striking finding: in at least 9 to 16 hot spots, there is a link between hydraulic fracking operations and higher rates of MMIW cases. These industrial projects often bring transient workers and strain on community resources, creating dangerous conditions for Indigenous women.
Steps Toward Change
Recent policies have brought some progress:
- Savanna’s Act (2020): Improves coordination between law enforcement agencies and strengthens data collection.
- Presidential Task Force (2019): Works with tribal law enforcement to develop investigation guidelines.
While important, these steps don’t address systemic issues like racism, sexism, and jurisdictional gaps. In some cases, law enforcement itself has been a source of harm, further eroding trust.
Why It Matters
The MMIW crisis reflects a deeper history of colonization and oppression. Real solutions must go beyond policy fixes and confront systemic inequality, harmful stereotypes, and institutional failures.
Every missing or murdered woman is more than a number. Their lives matter, and their stories must be remembered.
Conclusion
The research is clear: the MMIW crisis demands urgent attention. By raising awareness, supporting Indigenous-led efforts, and holding institutions accountable, we can honor those lost and work toward lasting change.