The crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP) continues to devastate Native communities across the United States and Canada. Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirit individuals face disproportionately high rates of violence, disappearance, and murder. Despite growing awareness, many cases remain unresolved, further deepening the trauma within Tribal communities.
Four San Diego County Tribes Partner For Change
Addressing this urgent crisis, a coalition of four San Diego County Tribes — the Jamul Indian Village of California, Manzanita Band of the Kumeyaay Nation, San Pasqual Band of Mission Indians, and the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation — has partnered with the San Diego Harbor Police Foundation to take action. Together, they were recently awarded a $2 million, three-year grant from the California Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) to combat MMIP through a multi-faceted approach.
“The crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous peoples has been an ongoing epidemic impacting Native Americans,” said Erica M. Pinto, Chairwoman of the Jamul Indian Village of California. “We are grateful for these grant funds and will use them to raise awareness, educate the public, and improve communications with all law enforcement agencies.”
The grant will fund an annual MMIP summit (see below), a major public awareness campaign, creation of a digital resource center for victims and families, expanded human trafficking training, and strengthened partnerships with law enforcement.
Free Public Summit Held This Past Weekend
MMIP San Diego hosted a free public Summit on May 3rd at Viejas Casino & Resort. Throughout the summit, participants engaged in powerful discussions, shared knowledge, and strengthened partnerships. The event included panel discussions around law enforcement collaboration, a survivor led training on human trafficking awareness, and information on local resources to support healing and mental health. The Summit included an introduction to mmipsd.org, the new Digital Resource Center aimed to provide critical information to help confront the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous People. The DRC will provide valuable content intended to generate awareness, support education, and accelerate action.
How Organizations Can Make a Real Difference and Take Action
The roots of the MMIP epidemic are deep, stemming from generations of marginalization, colonization, and systemic discrimination. “The history of Indigenous peoples in this region during the colonial times through the present is sad,” said Cody Martinez, Chairman of the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation. “Tribes throughout the region faced and continue to face discrimination and marginalization, which has led to violence and victimization.”
Angela Elliod-Santos, Chairwoman of the Manzanita Band of the Kumeyaay Nation, emphasized the emotional and societal toll. “Indigenous women are at significantly more risk of violence with many cases going unreported, or when they are, remain unsolved. This impacts not just the victims, but their families and communities. With this grant, we are hoping to raise awareness, support victims and their families, as well as push for policy changes to address this crisis.”
The partnership also includes the San Diego Harbor Police Foundation, recognized for its efforts to fight human trafficking. “These heinous crimes shatter Tribal communities,” said Jeff Wohler, President of the Foundation. “Working together we will confront the MMIP crisis and protect lives.”
The MMIP Grant Program, established in California’s Budget Act of 2022, is a significant investment in saving Indigenous lives, with nearly $20 million already awarded and another $13 million expected in a second round.
Resources to Learn More or Support the Cause
If you would like to support efforts to end the MMIP crisis or learn more, here are national resources across the U.S. and Canada:
- MMIP San Diego https://mmipsd.org/
- National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center (NIWRC) – A nonprofit dedicated to ending violence against Native women and children.
www.niwrc.org - Sovereign Bodies Institute (SBI) – Research and advocacy center that tracks MMIP cases and supports families.
www.sovereign-bodies.org - MMIW USA – Provides support services to families of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls in the U.S.
www.mmiwusa.org - Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC) – Leads advocacy and data efforts for MMIP in Canada.
www.nwac.ca - National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (Canada) – Government-led report and recommendations.
www.mmiwg-ffada.ca - StrongHearts Native Helpline – Culturally-appropriate, confidential support for Native Americans experiencing domestic violence.
1-844-7NATIVE or www.strongheartshelpline.org
By supporting these organizations, individuals can help raise awareness, push for policy change, and stand in solidarity with Indigenous families fighting for justice.