FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 5, 2021

Contact: Curtison Badonie, [email protected] or 505-243-9199

Local Leaders in New Mexico Call for Real Action to Stop the Murder and Disappearance of Indigenous Women & Girls Nationwide

Albuquerque, N.M.– Local leaders with the Coalition to Stop Violence Against Native Women, in New Mexico, are calling for state and federal authorities to take real, concrete action to put an end to the ongoing murder and disappearance of Indigenous women and girls nationwide. The call-to-action comes on National Day of Awareness of Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls, and a day after the White House published a proclamation making May 5th, Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness Day.

“Today is Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Awareness Day and we have all been called to honor the memory of lost loved ones through proclamations, awareness events and community gatherings,” say Angel Charley executive director, CSVANW, “yet, justice for missing and murdered Indigenous women lingers, unachieved.”

Indigenous communities around the U.S. have felt the biggest impact from the COVID-19 pandemic and this catastrophic world event has demonstrated the need for actionable steps and bold leadership to resolve systemic problems oppressing communities of color. We cannot simply rely on hope without action when BIPOC communities across the country are eager for bold change in our justice, health, education, and economic system. And while elevating issues directly affecting BIPOC communities is important, these cannot be addressed by only thoughts and prayers.

“The Coalition is holding deep awareness that proclamations and days of remembrance are just platitudes unless backed with action,” adds Charley.

CSVANW asks of state and federal authorities to publish and distribute a detail plan of action to stop the murder and disappearances of Indigenous women and girls, starting with the death of Joleen Nez. CSVANW looks forward to working together with municipal, county, state, and federal offices in bringing justice to Indigenous families across the country and put an end to the outright attack against Indigenous women nationwide.

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