MMIP Bill Signed by Governor Dunleavy a Milestone Victory
Written by Autumn Cantu, MMIWG2S Communications Coordinator & Graphic Designer at Native Movement.
September 3, 2024
MMIWG2S Alaska Working Group
MMIP Bill Signed by Governor Dunleavy a Milestone Victory
DENA’INA EŁNENA (ANCHORAGE), Alaska - MMIWG2S Alaska Working Group members attended Governor Dunleavy's signing of the MMIP Bill today.
As Alaska takes this pivotal step forward, the MMIWG2S Alaska Working Group reaffirms its commitment to continued advocacy, collaboration, uplifting, and acknowledging all other grassroots work being done across the state. Together, we honor the memory of those lost, uplift the voices of survivors, and chart a path toward a more equitable and inclusive future for all. We uplift and recognize the community allies, the many advocates, and the partnerships we share with national, international, and local partners that got us here today. Together, we can continue to be dedicated to creating a better, more secure future for everyone.
The MMIWG2S Alaska Working Group consists of the following organizations that partner to work toward ending the MMIP crisis in Alaska:
Governor Mike Dunleavy signed Senate Bill 151 into law on September 3, 2024, a significant piece of legislation aimed at advancing Alaska’s efforts to address and resolve cases of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples (MMIP). Sponsored by Senator Donny Olson (D-Golovin), this new law introduces several critical measures designed to improve public safety and support the ongoing mission to address MMIP cases.
Kendra Kloster, Co-Director of Law & Policy at the Alaska Native Women’s Resource Center, remarked, "The signing of the MMIP is pivotal for our state, communities, and future generations. This initiative signifies a crucial step forward in addressing the crisis and emphasizes our collective commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all. It is not just a policy change but a testament to our dedication to creating a better, more secure future for everyone."
"The signing of the MMIP represents a monumental achievement for Alaska. After six years of relentless advocacy and hard work, this bill’s passage is a significant milestone in our ongoing effort to enhance community safety. We are grateful for the guidance and input of relatives, community members, and allies who helped make this bill happen. This step forward is a testament to our dedication to protecting vulnerable populations and fostering a safer, more secure future for all Alaskans," Kelsey Wallace, Vice President of Strategic Advancement and Communication at the Alaska Native Heritage Center, reflected.
(Left to Right)
Kendra Kloster, Co-Director of Law & Policy at the Alaska Native Women’s Resource Center, and Kelsey Wallace, Vice President of Strategic Advancement and Communication at the Alaska Native Heritage Center.
The passage of SB151 creates the following actions and requirements:
Require mandatory cultural training for law enforcement supervised by an Indigenous organization;
Mandates the Department of Public Safety to report missing persons to the National and Unidentified Missing Persons System within 60 days;
Codifies at least two MMIP Investigator positions within the Department of Public Safety;
Creates an MMIP Review Commission to review unsolved MMIP cases, examine the trends and patterns, and make policy, practice, and service recommendations to DPS to encourage collaboration and reduce cases involving Indigenous persons, and create a report of recommendations and findings;
Report on investigative resources: DPS will do a needs assessment to determine how to increase protective and investigative resources for identifying and reporting cases of MMIP. The department must work with tribal and local law enforcement, Tribes, and Alaska Native Organizations to determine the scope of the issues, identify barriers, and determine methods for creating partnerships to increase reporting and investigation of MMIP cases.
This new law will take effect on January 1, 2025.
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About the MMIWG2S Alaska Working Group
The MMIWG2s Alaska Working Group’s mission and agreement is to have shared communications, strategy, actions, and community building to address this crisis in our state together. Our working group is led by community needs, response, and picking up the work that far too many families continue to carry. Moving forward, our strategy includes continued growth in the above areas and three key areas: Ready to Initiate Actions, Creating New Pathways, and Educational Outreach.
Media Contact
Autumn Cantu, MMIWG2S Communications Coordinator & Graphic Designer, MMIWG2S Alaska Working Group. autumn@nativemovement.org
