The 2024 Heartbeat of the Drums Event: A Healing and Unified Community Success
Photo by Jeff Chen with Native Movement
Written by Autumn Cantu, MMIWG2S Communications Coordinator & Graphic Designer at Native Movement.
May 16, 2024
On May 2, 2024, the Heartbeat of the Drums Event, a testament to the dedication and commitment of the MMIWG2S Alaska Working Group, resonated as a powerful symbol of healing, unity, and success. The event, dedicated to the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Womxn, Girls, and Two-Spirit people, drew participants from diverse backgrounds, coming together to honor and remember those lost while also advocating for justice and systemic change.
The MMIWG2S Alaska Working Group consists of the following organizations that partner to work toward ending the MMIP crisis in Alaska:
The MMIWG2S Alaska Working Group has hosted its annual Heart Beat of the Drums events to create a sacred healing space for community members. Our event was to honor May 5th, the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. To create a space meant for families, advocates, and the community to hold sacred healing spaces for members affected by the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples (MMIP) crisis we face today. Traditional dances and performances further enhanced the event, celebrating Indigenous culture and resilience in the face of adversity.
[Names from left to right: Sabrina Dunphrey, Antonia Commack, Kendra Kloster, Violet Sensmeier, Charlene Apok, Tatiana Ticknor.]
Thank you to our communities! Our goal was to spread awareness and uplift the voices of families, advocates, and Indigenous communities that have carried this work for far too long. We will not be silenced anymore! The drum, a symbol of resilience, healing, and strength, was a poignant reminder of the community's enduring spirit in the face of adversity. Throughout the day, speakers shared their stories, highlighting the impact of the MMIWG2S crisis on families and communities. These narratives, often marked by pain and loss, were also infused with resilience and determination as survivors and advocates alike voiced their commitment to seeking justice and creating a safer future for all Indigenous peoples and future generations.
Photo by Jeff Chen with Native Movement
In addition to raising awareness and fostering dialogue, the event provided opportunities for healing and solidarity. Healing circles, led by trained facilitators at Southcentral Foundation, offered a safe space for participants to share their experiences, offer support, and find strength in collective healing.
One of the defining features of the Heartbeat of the Drums event was its emphasis on collaboration and partnership. By bringing together organizations like the Southcentral Foundation and the MMIWG2S Alaska Working Group, the event demonstrated the power of collective action in addressing complex social issues. Through shared resources, expertise, and networks, these partnerships helped amplify the event's impact, reaching broader audiences and driving meaningful change.
As the day drew to a close, participants left with a renewed sense of purpose and solidarity, their hearts filled with hope and determination. While the MMIWG2S crisis remains a pressing issue, the Heartbeat of the Drums event served as a powerful reminder that by coming together as a community, we can overcome challenges, heal from trauma, and create a brighter future for all Indigenous peoples. The MMIWG2S Alaska Working Group reaffirms its commitment to continued advocacy, collaboration, and healing. 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.
