Advocates for missing and murdered Indigenous women raise awareness

Yahoo

06-05-2025

WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) – As the president aims to root out diversity, equity and inclusion in the federal government, some lawmakers say important policy documents have been swept up with it. That includes a report aimed at addressing missing and murdered indigenous people.
'It's really kind of a slap in the face of the community that we're trying to work with and protect,' said Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.).
Nevada Senator Catherine Cortez Masto's bipartisan 'Not Invisible Act' created the commission that reported those recommendations.
President Trump signed it into law his first term, with the White House at the time touting him as, 'the first president to formally recognize the tragedy…', but now the report isn't on the DOJ site anymore.
An Interior Department page that links to the DOJ has a note that says links may not work and quote, '…any previously issued diversity, equity, inclusion or gender-related guidance on this webpage should be considered rescinded.'
The DOJ does still have a page dedicated to missing or murdered indigenous people that summarizes the report's recommendations.
The Justice Department did not respond to requests for comment when asked about why the report was removed.
Cortez Masto says on this National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, lawmakers and the administration should be working together to address the tragedy.
'This is not a partisan issue. This is bipartisan. We've got great legislation coming from it,' said Cortez Masto.
Cortez Masto is currently working to pass two bills aimed at supporting tribal law enforcement.
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