06-05-2025
‘Silent epidemic': Oneida Nation spreads awareness for missing, murdered Indigenous people
ONEIDA, Wis. (WFRV) – On Red Dress Day, scores of people from all backgrounds are wearing their chosen shade of scarlet to support missing and murdered Indigenous women (MMIW) and relatives (MMIR).
'The business committee of the tribe has passed a resolution honoring May 5 as National Wear Red Day to bring awareness to the issue,' Oneida Tribe Council Member Jennifer Webster said, who is also on the business committee. 'Across the state of Wisconsin, different tribes are doing different walks.'
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The Oneida Nation is making its commemoration a weeklong event. Red pieces of clothing already line the trees, a symbol of victims and survivors that have suffered at the hands of criminals and abusers.
'It's a silent epidemic happening across Indian Country, and if they see something happening in the community, say something,' Webster said.
Registration for the Oneida Nation's Missing and Murdered Relatives Walk on Saturday is at 10 a.m., with the walk getting underway at 11 a.m. Presentations, music and food are all part of the event, which has one goal.
'To be aware. If you see something, say something,' Webster said. 'Because Oneida is on the highway between Chicago, Green Bay, over to Minneapolis, up to Duluth, that's kind of a highway for trafficking. So we need to bring our young men and women, bring their awareness to the forefront.'
While there have not been missing or murdered members from Oneida Nation ground in recent years, Webster says it is a widespread concern that plagues many tribes from coast to coast.
'Native women are ten times more likely to be murdered across the nation,' Webster said. 'It's an issue. And it's an issue that we need to share with our children and our grandchildren, our young women and our young boys, to be aware.'
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Webster believes that the epidemic can be solved, or at least stymied, with cross-generation discussions about warning signs and the importance of having others' backs.
'Sit down and have talks with their young women and young men. For them to be mindful of their surroundings at all times,' Webster said. 'And I think that's what the whole message of MMIW is, to watch out for each other.'
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