300-2021

Whereas, the City of Portland joins a growing chorus of local, state, tribal, and national governments supporting the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women; and 

Whereas, the lasting effects of colonization and a history of oppressive policies directly correlate to the rise of violence against Indigenous women and girls in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Central America and all US territories; and 

Whereas, the disappearances and murders of Indigenous women and girls is directly connected to domestic and other forms of violence, sexual assault, trafficking, and a history of childhood, intergenerational, and historic trauma; and   

Whereas, the City has heard from MMIW advocates and stakeholders the need to be inclusive of men and boys who are also victimized; and in consideration of this guidance, will formally modify the scope of our City’s work to address the epidemic of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Relatives, which will hereafter be known as MMIW&R; and  

Whereas, these acts of violence and corresponding oversight and neglect of government law enforcement is a continued form of genocide and is a direct threat to tribal sovereignty, thus compromising Indian Country’s self-determination and self-governance; and   

Whereas, the City of Portland recognizes that the issues of Missing and Murdered Indigenous women are not isolated to reservations or rural communities, but impact urban areas like the Portland metropolitan region; and 

Whereas, the City of Portland urges Portlanders to wear red every 5th of the month to show solidarity, support, and to continue efforts to raise awareness about the needs to address the systemic obstacles that contribute to the occurrence of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Relatives; and 

Whereas,the City of Portland will continue to advocate to our congressional delegation, state legislators, and local government officials for legislation and policy to address this crisis, led by Madam Secretary Debra Haaland of the Department of the Interior, in the creation of the Missing and Murdered Unit within the Bureau of Indian Affairs’ Office of Justice Services. 

Now, therefore, I, Ted Wheeler, Mayor of the City of Portland, Oregon, the “City of Roses,” do hereby proclaim May 5, 2021 to be Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women in Portland and encourage all residents to observe this day.