In June 2016, a report was released revealing that indigenous women had 5,712 reports of missing cases in North America; however, only 116 were reported. Indigenous women are experiencing a murder rate 10 times higher than the national rate, making murder the third leading cause of death for Indigenous women. Statistically speaking, indigenous women experience a lower murder rate on tribal lands; however, due to the Indian Relocation Act, only 22% of indigenous women live on tribal lands, with most living off tribal lands but with frequent movement between tribal lands and urban areas. This frequent movement and high rate of homelessness amongst Indigenous women has made them more vulnerable to violence.

The revelation of this report created an advocacy movement in North America called Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) to bring both social and political attention to a population that is disproportionately affected by violence. The movement gained traction on social media, using red paint to mark a handprint over their mouth, symbolizing the voices that have not been heard. At the same time, the red coloring signifies in indigenous culture a connection between the physical and spiritual world, with the belief that the dead can see the color red.

Compiled From:  “Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW).” Native Hope, March 13, 2025.