Latest news with #MMIP
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Yahoo
Sacramento Launches Task Force to Address Missing and Murdered Indigenous People
( — Sacramento officials have announced the formation of the Sacramento Regional Missing and Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP) Task Force, marking a historic collaboration between local law enforcement and tribal leadership in California. 'Our communities have been calling for attention, awareness, and action for over 20 years, but today is where awareness meets action,' said Wilton Rancheria Chairman Jesus Tarango. The newly established task force will implement protocols for cold case reviews, improve data sharing, and conduct culturally informed investigations. 'Over 84% of American Indian and Alaska native women experience violence in their lifetimes, and they are murdered at 10 times the national average,' the Chairman adds. 'There are more than 4,200 unresolved cases of missing and murdered indigenous people in the U.S., with California ranking fifth in the nation for the most unresolved MMIP cases.' Triple A predicts record-breaking Memorial Day travel Only 9% of cases involving murdered indigenous women in California have been solved, compared to 60% of the non-native population. Local, state, and federal officials emphasized that these are not just statistics—they represent mothers, daughters, sisters, and sons. 'It's an obligation to our ancestors, who have endured unthinkable loss,' the Chairman says. Sacramento District Attorney Thien Ho, a key organizer of the task force, underscored its significance: 'It is a promise to every Indigenous child growing up today that their lives will be valued.' Christina Kazhe, Attorney General of Wilton Rancheria, notes how widespread the crisis is. 'You could talk to any person here today, and they know somebody who has gone missing or been murdered.' That's especially true for Wilton Rancheria Tribal Councilwoman Annette Williams, whose niece, Angel Baby, was murdered in 2001. The case remains unsolved more than 20 years later. 'It's been like it was yesterday,' Williams told Fox40. 'We tried everything. We went to the police department, we put out flyers.' Two weeks ago, the family released a documentary highlighting Angel Baby's case. Sacramento County Sheriff Jim Cooper said the task force will hit the ground running. 'We're reviewing some old cold cases right now, looking at things and figuring out where we can go — and really work with the tribe to address these issues.' At this time, officials have not disclosed the number of cases under active review. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Republican legislators call for more solutions to the missing and murdered indigenous people crisis
Rep. Teresa Martinez speaks during a press conference at the Arizona State Capitol Rose Garden on May 20, 2025, to urge action and raise awareness about the missing and murdered Indigenous peoples crisis. Photo by Shondiin Silversmith | Arizona Mirror Two of Arizona's Republican legislators are urging state and federal lawmakers to unite and work on solutions to address the ongoing crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous peoples. Following the recent signing of a bill that will create a Turquoise Alert System for missing Native people, a significant state legislative action, the lawmakers emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum. Missing and murdered Indigenous peoples, also known as MMIP, is an ongoing issue within Indigenous communities across the country, with Indigenous peoples at the forefront of efforts to raise awareness about the crisis and to push for action. Rep. Walt Blackman, R-Snowflake, emphasized that their efforts are not just about policy, but about the people, lives, and families who have been deeply affected by the crisis. In some tribal communities, Indigenous women face murder rates that are more than 10 times the national average, according to the Department of Justice. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX In 2017, homicide was reported as the fourth-leading cause of death among Indigenous women and girls between the ages of one and 19 years old and the sixth-leading cause of death for ages 20 to 44, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In a report from the National Institute of Justice, 84% of Indigenous women experience violence in their lifetime, compared to 71% of white women. Blackman, who represents a district that borders the Navajo Nation, said he has heard firsthand stories of how communities have been impacted. 'We need our congressional delegation to do a better job of tracking,' he said, adding that the state needs more help coordinating communication among agencies when someone goes missing. Blackman said that will ensure that when an Indigenous person goes missing, it won't take as long to put out an alert. Blackman and Rep. Teresa Martinez, R-Casa Grande, held a press conference Tuesday at the Arizona State Capitol Rose Garden to urge action. Martinez sponsored the Turquoise Alert System bill, House Bill 2281, which passed through the House and Senate unanimously. It creates a system that will coordinate alerts for missing Indigenous or endangered persons through the federally authorized Emergency Alert System. The bill passed shortly after the state Senate amended the legislation to include minors who go missing. The change allows the alert system to be activated in cases like Emily Pike's, an Indigenous teen whose disappearance and murder earlier this year was cited by lawmakers as the impetus for the measure. 'We have too much work to do to protect women and children of the state of Arizona,' Martinez said. Martinez represents District 16, which includes the Gila River Indian Community and the Ak-chin Indian Community. She said her granddaughter is part of the Gila River Indian Community, and if she ever went missing, Martinez would turn the world upside down looking for her. ' We have to have that same standard for all our children, regardless of the color of their skin and where they come from,' she said, adding that she is glad that more attention is being paid to the issue so that they can think of ways to find all the missing women. The MMIP crisis has persisted for generations, with many efforts to address this issue in Arizona led by Indigenous women, leaders and their supporters. Legislation has been introduced, rallies held, awareness walks organized, and various efforts have taken place over the years to highlight the ongoing MMIP crisis within Indigenous communities. Arizona is reported to have the third-largest number of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls in the country. That study reported 506 known cases in 71 urban areas across the country, 54 of which were in Arizona, including 31 in Tucson. In 2021, Arizona had the third-largest number of unresolved missing Indigenous people cases in the country, according to NamUs. There are currently 91 missing Indigenous people cases in the NamUs database for Arizona. More than 10,600 Indigenous people were reported missing in the U.S. in 2023, roughly 3,300 of whom were 18 or older, according to the FBI. The National Missing and Unidentified Persons System reported that more than 23,700 missing persons cases were in the database at the end of 2023, and 255 of those were for Indigenous people. There is still no single database that provides accurate numbers or data related to missing and murdered Indigenous peoples across the country. With no centralized database among the thousands of federal, state and tribal entities, the information available is limited. When looking at the numbers, it's important to note that Indigenous people make up only about 6% of the population in Arizona. There are only three major metropolitan areas in the state that have large Indigenous populations, and each of the 22 tribal nations in Arizona has a large number of people living on the reservation. ' If this happened anywhere else in this state, the alarming numbers that we see, we would be on it,' Blackman said. 'We would have laws written, we'd have green, yellow, blue alerts out, but for whatever reason, this is not being addressed appropriately.' Blackman said that his and Martinez's call for support is not about money or new programs, but rather about strengthening the support of existing programs so they can get involved and help Indigenous communities across the state. Lorena Halwood is the executive director for Amá Dóó Áłchíní Bíghan, a nonprofit based on the Navajo Nation that provides crisis services for victims of violence, including domestic violence, human trafficking and sexual assault. ADABI is based in Chinle, but Halwood said it serves multiple communities on the Navajo Nation. She has worked with the organization for nearly 30 years, and as one of the few victim services on the Navajo Nation, it gets by with whatever funding it can get. 'Crisis is not going to stop,' she said. The only funding ADABI gets from the start is from the Victims of Crime Act, which was established by the Federal Victims of Crime Act of 1984 and serves as a major funding source for victim services throughout the country. Halwood said they receive $87,000 through the Victims of Crime Act, covering two staff members, vehicle mileage, and part of their utility payments. She hopes to see more support available for victim services. Halwood advocated for increased state and federal resources for tribal law enforcement and victim services. ' Our presence here is to amplify the call for justice,' she said, and to ensure that the voices of families out there are heard. 'Together we can advocate for real change in our communities,' Halwood added. 'We need everyone's help.' Karen Bedonie from the Navajo Nation said on Tuesday that it's time for Indigenous people to stand up and represent themselves with the help of their state legislators. 'We want to be represented and not misrepresented,' Bedonie said, because often, Indigenous people and their issues are swept under the rug or forgotten. 'We are on the back burner of everything that is happening here,' she said, adding that it took the death of Emily Pike for any action to be taken. Bedonie said her goal is to work with the representatives and push forward so that the Turquoise Alert System makes a difference and does not fade into the wind. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
The most concerning part of Oklahoma's new budget is what was left out
I want to commend the Oklahoma Legislature for getting the budget done. That's never an easy task. I was involved in budget negotiations during my last eight years in office and know firsthand how difficult those conversations can be. I appreciate the time and effort it took to reach an agreement. For the most part, I agree with this year's budget. In fact, my biggest concerns lie not with what was included — but with what was left out. Could we have done more? Absolutely. Still, there were meaningful wins: • Funding for Oklahoma State University veterinary school — We need to position OSU as the premier veterinary university in the country. • Support for the new pediatric hospital at OU Health — Our children deserve top-tier care right here at home. • $20 million in additional funding for the Oklahoma Department of Transportation — An investment in our roads and infrastructure is an investment in public safety and economic development. • Additional funding for deferred maintenance — Long-overdue needs finally being addressed. Though I'm no longer in elected office, I still care deeply about the direction of this state. My hope is that future leaders will have the courage to stand firm — not just for the politics of the moment, but for the people of Oklahoma. That means listening, being transparent and acting. The easy choice is to stay silent. This session won't just be remembered for what was passed — but for what was sidelined, ignored or vetoed. Our View: Three vetoes by Gov. Kevin Stitt should be overridden by the OK Legislature One of the most disappointing moments was the veto of a bipartisan bill championed by Rep. Melissa Provenzano to support women battling breast cancer. This wasn't about politics — it was about people. It had broad support across the aisle, yet was still shut down. If we can't come together on something that personal and human, it's not just disappointing — it's disheartening. Then came the social studies standards. Most of us weren't asking to throw them out — just to send them back to the Oklahoma State Department of Education for a responsible review. That didn't happen. Instead, the revised standards were moved forward without further input. Equally troubling is the continued inaction on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP). Oklahoma ranks second in the nation for MMIP cases — an unacceptable and heartbreaking reality. Native families have been crying out for years, and year after year, the state fails to act. Meanwhile, U.S. Rep. Tom Cole stood before Congress and gave powerful testimony. He showed us what leadership looks like. I agree with him completely: We cannot give predators a place to prey, especially not in Indian Country. As a member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, I stand with him and the families demanding justice. We also missed a chance to improve transparency with House Bill 2163, which would have expanded public access to open records. That bill revealed something many of us already knew: resistance to accountability runs deep. During my final years in office, I had to issue subpoenas just to get basic information. The public deserves to know how decisions are made, and why. Transparency should never be treated as a threat. Opinion: Ryan Walters uses Education Department to further his own political career Then there's the ¼ percent income tax cut. It made for a strong headline, but back home in Moore, South OKC and across Western Oklahoma, the question I hear most is simple: Why? No one has clearly explained what it means for everyday people. Maybe it's a good idea — but most folks are still scratching their heads. And to be clear — these aren't just my thoughts. These are the thoughts of people I hear from every week at coffee shops, cafes, the lumberyard, the feed store, gas stations and from business leaders across Oklahoma. They're not asking for less government — they're asking for responsible government. Better schools. Better roads. Safer communities. We currently rank 49th in the nation in education funding, and last in our region for per-pupil investment. People remember what it was like during the billion-dollar deficit years. They know that Oklahoma is a boom-and-bust state, and they have no problem with keeping a solid savings account for the next downturn. What they do have a problem with is political distractions. We need to stop chasing national political fights and start focusing on what Oklahomans are asking for. The answers won't come from Washington — they'll come from listening to our neighbors and acting with courage right here at home. This session reminded me of something I learned in my early days at the Capitol: Good policy often dies quietly. Not through public debate, but through silence, neglect or veto. Some of the greatest disappointments this year weren't in what we passed — but in what we failed to do. Mark McBride is a businessman and consultant and a former member of the House of Representatives, from 2012-2024. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: The most disappointing moments from the Oklahoma Legislature in 2025
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Missing, murdered Indigenous people are a slient epidemic in Oklahoma
Oklahoma ranks second in the nation for Missing and Murdered Indigenous People MMIP cases, with 85 tribal members currently missing, according to the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System. On May 5, a day meant to honor those missing and murdered Indigenous people, Gov. Kevin Stitt vetoed House Bill 1137. The bipartisan amendment to Ida's Law removed the requirement to request federal funding, allowing the state to fund the Office of Liaison for MMIP. The veto consequently denies critical resources needed to bring loved ones home and to provide justice. Ida's Law is named after Ida Beard, a Cheyenne and Arapaho woman who went missing in Oklahoma in 2015. The law took effect in 2021 and was intended to address systematic issues impacting MMIP cases. Ida's Law created a formal infrastructure for MMIP cases and required the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation to have a liaison to work with tribal governments and families to help coordinate investigations, limiting bureaucratic delays. Gov. Stitt's veto is the latest example of persistent institutional failures that cause untold harm and tragic consequences. As president and founder of the Missing Murdered Indigenous Women Chahta (MMIW-Chahta), I have spent my life learning the real stories and meeting the families behind these devastating statistics and the institutional barriers that affect MMIP cases in our state. This crisis is a result of generational trauma, media mishandling, insufficient reporting and a lack of investigative resources to protect the disproportionately affected members of our communities. Rampant racial misclassification also means even more Native people may be missing, but their cases don't officially count. More: Oklahoma governor vetoes MMIP bill, saying investigators shouldn't prioritize cases 'based on race' As our nation reflects during National Missing and Murdered Indigenous People Month, we must confront the deep-rooted neglect and societal indifference that has perpetuated for centuries. We must keep fighting for those we love and have lost. House Bill 1137 received overwhelming support in both houses, demonstrating Oklahomans' desire to help those impacted by this crisis. In joining that effort, support Native organizations fighting for justice, amplify the voices of advocates and ― most importantly ― share their stories. Don't forget the individuals behind the statistics. Oklahoma positions itself as a center for Native culture and pride. We must also lead the nation in the fight for justice for Native people. Karrisa Newkirk is the President and Founder of the Missing Murdered Indigenous Women Chahta. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Tribal women ignored in Stitt's veto of bipartisan bill | Opinion
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Oklahoma governor rejects measure requiring insurers to cover more breast cancer tests
Gov. Kevin Stitt has vetoed a measure meant to expand Oklahomans' access to breast cancer screening, saying he doesn't want to raise insurance rates. House Bill 1389 would require health care insurance providers to cover tests such as breast ultrasounds for people who are at higher risks of breast cancer, even if no abnormality is seen or suspected at the time. Contrast-enhanced mammograms and molecular breast imaging would also be covered in those cases and as part of diagnostic testing. Lawmakers from both parties criticized Stitt's decision to veto the bill, which had widespread support and cleared the House floor 95-0. For many legislators, the measure carried a special significance. The bill's author, Rep. Melissa Provenzano, D-Tulsa, has been diagnosed with breast cancer. Her colleagues in the House wore pink in her honor on the day she introduced the measure. Provenzano said in a statement that Stitt's veto left her "stunned and in disbelief." She noted women in Oklahoma are more likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer than the U.S. norm. More: Oklahoma governor vetoes MMIP bill, saying investigators shouldn't prioritize cases 'based on race' The governor said in his May 6 veto message that while he was sympathetic to women battling breast cancer, he believed the legislation would raise costs for health insurance companies and "ultimately raise insurance premiums for working families and small businesses." He said insurance plans already cover mammograms, and that doctors can order more tests if needed. Provenzano said many tests still aren't covered, which is why the legislation is needed. She pledged to "get to work" on moving the bill forward, which could still become law if legislators vote to override Stitt's veto. In her statement, Provenzano said the measure was meant to build on a 2022 bill that required insurance providers to cover diagnostic mammograms. Stitt signed that measure into law. Jennifer Monies, an adviser to House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, has not yet responded to questions about Hilbert's response to the veto and whether he plans to pursue an override. As the bill made its way through the Legislature, more than 20 lawmakers, including several Republicans, signed on as co-authors. Sen. Brenda Stanley, R-Midwest City, the bill's main backer in the Senate, said she was disappointed by the governor's veto. 'This legislation was vetoed due to the belief that the provision of this care could contribute to higher insurance premiums, although the reality is that the costs of providing preventative screenings are minuscule when compared to the costs to treat late-stage disease,' Stanley said. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma Gov. Stitt vetoes bill expanding breast cancer test coverage
