U.S. Senators Steve Daines and Maria Cantwell introduced a resolution on April 30 commemorating May 5 as the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.
The resolution aims to raise national attention about the high rates at which Indigenous women and girls go missing or are murdered. It honors victims such as Hanna Harris, a member of the Northern Cheyenne Tribe who would have turned 34 years old on May 5 this year, according to the announcement.
“On this year’s National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, we remember with a heavy heart all those who have been victims of this crisis. In particular we remember Montanan Hanna Harris, who would be turning 34 years old on May 5th this year. No family should have to endure what Hanna’s family went through, and it’s critical we keep tribal safety at the forefront of the national conversation,” said Daines.
Cantwell said, “Indigenous people – especially women and girls – are being murdered or going missing at horrific and unacceptable rates. On May 5th, we remember the victims of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous People crisis and recognize the suffering of families and Native communities. We must demand justice and continue our work to get more law enforcement resources for tribes.”
Daines supports public safety initiatives as well as economic opportunities for Montana’s Indian nations according to his official website. He also focuses on assisting Montanans with federal matters while advocating for jobs in energy, mining, and forestry sectors according to his official website. Serving as a U.S. senator with prior private sector experience according to his official website, Daines is described as a fifth-generation Montanan maintaining deep roots in Montana according to his official website.
He represents Montana in the Senate with offices across the state according to his official website while advancing pro-growth tax policies and promoting sustainable forest management through committee roles according to his official website.
The broader significance of this resolution lies in its effort to keep tribal safety prominent in public discussions while honoring those affected by these tragedies.
