Addressing the Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women in Minnesota through Legislation
Mary Kunesh, Chris Stark & Sheila Lamb | September 24 | 1:45-2:45 PM
Topic: Legal, Law Enforcement | Knowledge Level: Intermediate
Minnesota’s Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) Task Force acknowledges and addresses the historic, persistent, human, and Indigenous rights violations and abuses found within the state. The Task Force is intent on unearthing the root causes behind the historic violence against Indigenous women, girls, and two spirit (LGBTQQIA) people in Minnesota. It reflects the collaboration of 27 Task Force members and other key stakeholders, calling for systemic legislative and social changes to resolve the crisis that has devastated Indigenous communities across our state and this country for far too long. The unique report includes mandates aiming to reduce and end violence against Indigenous women, girls, and two spirit people in Minnesota. It will serve as a road map for the Commissioner of Public Safety, other state agencies, and organizations that provide legal, social, and other community services throughout Minnesota. Most importantly, information presented in this report reflects the truths of survivors of violence, family members, community members, government agencies, and experts. The MMIW Report was compiled over more than a year of public hearings, community conversations, interviews with experts, and evidence gathering and delivers 20 mandates for systemic and community change directed at government, institutions, social service providers, industries, and all Minnesotans. These proposed mandates recognize and consider the multigenerational and intergenerational trauma and marginalization of Indigenous communities through poverty; insecure housing and homelessness; and barriers to education, employment, health care, and cultural support. It also addresses specific colonial and patriarchal policies that have diminished their status in society, leaving them vulnerable to violence.
Presentation Objectives:
· Introduce the process of creating a MMIW task force through legislation
· Explain timeline and process of the task force
· Describe the recommendations put forth by the task force