Raising awareness for those murdered, missing

CUSICK – Students, staff and community members walked through Cusick Monday, May 5 to raise awareness about Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women (MMIW).

Throughout the day, the Kalispel Tribe of Indians helped raise awareness for the 112 Indigenous people currently missing in Washington state. Of those, 56 are missing Indigenous women.

More than four out of five American Indian and Native Alaskan men and women experience violence in their lifetime. In addition, Native American women are murdered at more than 10 times the national average.

Including the walk in Cusick, the Tribe paid tribute to the missing with a short ceremony, including Native dancers, singers, and speakers from the Tribe and Kalispel Tribal Victims Assistance Services in Airway Heights at Northern Quest Casino. There was also a display of red dresses that represent the missing women.

As part of recognizing Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women’s Day on May 5, the Kalispel Tribe Charitable Fund will be matching any donations made to YWCA of Spokane between May 1-31, up to $5,000. Donations can be made at www.ywcaspokane.com.

All photos courtesy of Camas Learning Center.