John
Throughout my time in Congress, I have worked to direct national attention and find solutions to the pervasive crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women and people (MMIP).
The epidemic of missing Indigenous people is nationwide, and it’s especially dire for several of the North Coast tribes I’m honored to represent. These tragic crimes are too often ignored or dismissed by local, state and federal authorities, which is unacceptable. Studies show that Indigenous communities disproportionately experience violence, with women, girls, and elders most impacted.
This summer, the U.S. Department of Justice launched an MMIP Regional Outreach Program, which places attorneys and coordinators in 10 states to help respond to this crisis. While this is a huge step forward, disappointingly, California was excluded from the list, even though our state has the largest population of Native Americans in the country, and the fifth largest caseload of MMIP.
I joined with my colleagues to request that the DOJ place dedicated MMIP personnel in California, just as has been done in 10 other states.
When it comes to addressing public safety and advancing justice, California Tribes are already at a disadvantage. A federal law passed in 1953 ceded criminal jurisdiction over California’s tribal lands to the state, without providing any additional funding or resources to assist the new responsibility.
This lack of federal funding for law enforcement has resulted in crimes on affected tribal lands to go uninvestigated and unpunished – particularly those committed by non-Native individuals – which in turn, only exacerbates the ongoing MMIP crisis.
We must take a stand and demand the assistance and resources tribal communities need to keep their citizens safe.
This heartbreaking humanitarian crisis goes beyond political boundaries, John – we must all come together to support our country’s indigenous communities and work to bring them the justice they deserve.
If you’re with me, add your name here.
Thanks for adding your voice.
Jared
