Proclaim May 5, 2024 to be Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives Day of Awareness
Whereas, the City of Portland stands with Tribal, local, state, regional, and national governments, and organizations across the country for National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives, referred to as MMIR; and
Whereas, lasting effects of colonization, harmful/oppressive government policies, and white supremacy directly correlate to the rise of violence against Indigenous women, girls, men, boys, and two spirit relatives in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Central America; and
Whereas, disappearances and murders of Indigenous relatives is directly connected to domestic and other forms of violence, sexual assault, and trafficking along with a history of childhood, intergenerational, and historic trauma; and
Whereas, these acts of violence, systemic neglect of this issue, and lack of justice for Indigenous relatives is a continued form of genocide and a direct threat to Tribal sovereignty recognized by the City of Portland; and
Whereas, Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives are not isolated to reservations or rural communities, but impact urban areas like the Portland metropolitan region; and
Whereas, in a 2022 report to U.S. Congress, 84% of American Indian and Alaska Native women and 82% of American Indian and Alaska Native men reported experiencing violent victimizations in their lifetimes; and
Whereas, the City of Portland staunchly supports Tribal Governments and Tribal communities’ efforts to increase awareness and action on the issue of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives through programs, policies, and activities; and
Whereas, the City of Portland recognizes the importance of engaging with the Portland Urban Indian Community in conversation and action on how to address systemic issues that contribute to Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives.
Now, therefore, I, Ted Wheeler, Mayor of the City of Portland, Oregon, the “City of Roses,” do hereby proclaim May 5, 2024, to be
Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives Day of Awareness
In the greater Portland region and encourage businesses, organizations, public institutions, and community members to wear red to show solidarity, support, and raise awareness about this epidemic, systemic barriers, and the injustices Indigenous Peoples continue to face.