WASHINGTON – Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs Bryan Newland announced the launch of a new website during a panel on the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples Crisis at the Western Governors Association Winter Meeting.
The website will serve as a tool to attract notice to unresolved cases the BIA, Office of Justice Services, Missing and Murdered Unit (MMU) are working on involving Indigenous persons to encourage public engagement in hopes of solving cases.
“The Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples’ crisis has plagued Indian Country for too long, with cases often going unsolved and unaddressed,” Newland said. “This new website represents a new tool in the effort to keep communities safe and provide closure for families.”
On the website, people will be able to find detailed case information that can be easily shared along with three pathways to submit tips and other helpful information.
The site can be accessed at: https://www.bia.gov/service/mmu/missing-murdered-open-cases.
Cases can be searched by name on the website.
The BIA may offer rewards for information assisting in the detection or investigation of an offense. These awards may be up $5,000 depending on details provided.
The MMU was established within the first 100 days of the Biden-Harris Administration under Secretary of Interior Deb Haaland’s leadership to pursue justice for missing or murdered indigenous peoples.
In 2016, the National Crime Information Center reported over 5,000 reports of missing Native American girls and women with just around 116 in a national database.
The CDC has listed murder as the third leading cause for Native American women.
To report a possible MMIP case, call: 1-833-560-2065.
