May is Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) Awareness Month, a time to bring attention to the high rates of violence experienced by Native American and Alaska Native communities. MMIP highlights the urgent need to address the number of Indigenous people who go missing or are murdered each year. Native communities face higher rates of violence than the national average, with Native women and girls especially impacted by sexual violence, gender-based violence, and intimate partner violence. Native men also experience higher rates of violence compared to other groups.
The statistics are alarming. Homicide is one of the leading causes of death for American Indian and Alaska Native people between the ages of 1–44, ranking 4th for males and 6th for females. About 2 in 5 Native women report being raped in their lifetime, and more than 80% of Native men and women report experiencing some form of violence. Many cases involve intimate partner violence, sexual violence, stalking, or psychological abuse. Children are also affected, with over 10% of homicides involving victims under 18. Despite these numbers, there is still a lack of complete data, which makes it harder to fully understand and respond to the crisis.
There are ongoing efforts to improve awareness and support for families impacted by MMIP. Communities are working to increase funding for search efforts, provide financial support to families, raise awareness through outreach and public campaigns, and cover costs related to reunification, burial, and counseling services. If you or someone you know needs help or wants to report a missing person, support is available. You can contact the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at 800-843-5678, the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System at 833-872-5176, the StrongHearts Native Helpline at 844-762-8483, or the BIA Missing and Murdered Unit at 833-560-2065. Raising awareness is an important step toward change, healing, and justice for Indigenous communities.
READ more on MMIP from the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Indian Affairs.
The Shawnee Tribe is accepting public comments from tribal citizens about the Low Income Home Energy Program (LIHEAP) in preparation for next fiscal year, which begins October 1. All Shawnee households residing in the state of Oklahoma are encouraged to provide comments. Submit comments here through Monday, August 27, 2026. The LIHEAP program also still has funding […]
The Shawnee Tribe is proud to celebrate the accomplishments of Marina Staubus, whose artwork Whispers in the Wind earned First Place in the Painting category at the 2026 55th Annual Trail of Tears Art Show in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. Marina, a Shawnee Tribe citizen, continues a family tradition of service and dedication to the Tribe as the daughter of Mike Staubus, […]
A traditional bow-making workshop recently brought together Shawnee youth and cultural instructors to share knowledge, skills, and values that have been passed down through generations. The opportunity began when a request was made to teach Shawnee relatives the traditional craft of bow making. Having previously shared these skills with Muscogee participants, the instructors were honored […]
By David Pollack, A. Gwynn Henderson, and Edward R. Henry A people’s relationship to their homeland is dynamic. How they alter the landscape reflects their sense of place, their social relationships, and their connections to their ancestors. This is as true now as it was in the past. The North Elkhorn Creek Earthworks Around 500 […]
The Hidden Cost of Four Everyday Products When we buy a product, we usually see only the price on the shelf. What we don’t see is the environmental cost of making it. For example, it takes about 2,700 liters (713 gallons) of water to produce a single cotton T-shirt—about the same amount one person drinks […]
Mark McDowell, Treasurer and Keni Hood, Business Council Seat 7 have filed seeking re-election to their respective offices. The filing period for candidates has passed, with no additional candidates declaring their intention to run for office. Therefore, in accordance with Title 6, Sec. 6.20.080 of the Shawnee Election Act, both unopposed candidates are hereby deemed […]
YOUR CAN COULD BE BACK ON THE SHELF IN JUST 60 DAYS! You enjoy your beverage and recycle your aluminum can. Recycling trucks collect the cans and take them to a facility to be sorted. The cans are cleaned and shredded into small pieces. The aluminum pieces are melted down and rolled into large sheets. […]
The Shawnee Tribe’s Environmental Department recently hosted a hands-on learning experience focused on water systems, runoff, and watershed education in the Miami community. During the event, students participated in the installation of a rain barrel system while learning how rainfall moves through local watersheds and contributes to flooding.