The MMIWG2S Alaska Working Group Supports Healing and Awareness at the 40th TCC Annual Alaska Tribal Court Conference
Photo by Autumn Cantu with Native Movement
Written by Autumn Cantu, MMIWG2S Communications Coordinator & Graphic Designer at Native Movement.
May 16, 2024
The MMIWG2S Alaska Working Group recently attended a transformative event at the 40th Annual Alaska Tribal Court Conference hosted by the Tanana Chiefs Conference. This gathering, which left a lasting impact on the attendees, had three days of meaningful conversation surrounding issues important to their Tribes, including public safety, child protection, and the protection of their Tribal members.
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 demonstrated its unwavering dedication to community safety initiatives that extend beyond addressing the specific issue of MMIWG2S. The group actively promotes holistic approaches to safety through strategic partnerships and proactive measures. The MMIWG2S Alaska Working Group hosted a presentation and a lunchtime activity that was aimed at addressing the multifaceted issues surrounding Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit individuals.
For the lunchtime activity, participants were encouraged to participate in the optional activity. They were provided with red hand print stickers, markers, and directions to add the name of a lost loved one to MMIP. They would then stick it to the board to commemorate their loved ones. Seeing the names brings home the importance of real and needed community safety with Alaska Native relatives. The working group also offered resources around MMIP, visual missing flyers, and posters of loved ones lost to being missing or murdered.
[Names from left to right: Kendra Kloster, Charlene Apok, Autumn Cantu, and Violet Sensmeier.] Photo by Antonia Commack with Data for Indigenous Justice
Our participation at the conference was a testament to the power of partnership and collaboration. The MMIWG2S Alaska Working Group, in close collaboration with tribal leaders, advocates, law enforcement agencies, and community members, addressed systemic challenges and worked towards ensuring the safety and well-being of Indigenous individuals.
One of the key themes woven throughout the conference was the recognition of the resilience and strength of Indigenous communities. The event underscored the importance of honoring Indigenous knowledge and traditions in pursuing justice and healing by uplifting the voices of survivors, families, and advocates.
The MMIWG2S Alaska Working Group's presence at the 40th Annual Alaska Tribal Court Conference was strengthened by learning from tribal leadership. By weaving our work together to strengthen relationships, partnerships, and collaboration, the group continues to make significant strides in creating safer and more resilient communities for all Indigenous peoples. We are thankful for the collaboration and partnership with TCC around this important crisis within our state and nation. Together, we will continue to honor the memory of those lost, uplift the voices of survivors, and chart a path toward a more equitable and inclusive future for all.
