National MMIW Day
National MMIW Day: Raising Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women
National MMIW Day, also known as the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, is an annual observance dedicated to raising awareness about the disproportionately high rates of violence against Indigenous women and girls in North America.
Quick Facts
- When is it?: May 5th
- Tagged as: MMIW Day, MMIWG Day
- What’s the hashtag?: #MMIWActionNow, #NoMoreStolenSisters, #MMIW
- When was it founded?: 2017
- Who founded it?: U.S. Senators Steve Daines and Jon Tester from Montana
History of National MMIW Day
The day was established in response to the alarming number of Indigenous women and girls who go missing or are murdered each year. It was specifically inspired by the case of Hanna Harris, a young woman from the Northern Cheyenne Reservation who went missing and was later found murdered.
Timeline
- 2017: First official recognition of National MMIW Day
- 2018: Increased awareness and participation across North America
- 2019: Canadian National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls releases its final report
- 2021: President Biden signs a proclamation designating May 5 as “Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness Day”
Dates by Next Year
| Year | Month | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | May | 5 | Monday |
| 2026 | May | 5 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | May | 5 | Wednesday |
| 2028 | May | 5 | Friday |
| 2029 | May | 5 | Saturday |
| 2030 | May | 5 | Sunday |
Observed
National MMIW Day is observed through various activities and events, including marches, rallies, vigils, and educational programs. Many people wear red clothing or display red dresses to symbolize the missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls.
Fun Facts About National MMIW Day
- The color red is significant in many Indigenous cultures and is believed to be the only color spirits can see.
- Some communities organize REDress projects, where red dresses are hung in public spaces to represent missing women.
- The movement has expanded to include all Indigenous people, sometimes referred to as MMIP (Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons).
Quiz
- What date is National MMIW Day observed?
- What color is associated with MMIW awareness?
- In which year was National MMIW Day first officially recognized?
- (Answers: 1. May 5th, 2. Red, 3. 2017)
FAQs
Q: Why is this day important?
A: It brings attention to the disproportionately high rates of violence against Indigenous women and girls and calls for action to address this crisis.
Q: How can I support the MMIW cause?
A: You can participate in local events, share information on social media, support Indigenous-led organizations, and advocate for policy changes.
Related
- Indigenous Peoples’ Day
- International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples
- Native American Heritage Month
- Orange Shirt Day
