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Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Crisis Deepens
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Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Crisis Deepens

Alaska’s Native American communities are reeling from a long-standing crisis of violence, as the Justice and Interior agencies take next steps in implementing the Not Invisible Act.

According to sources, the Not Invisible Act, sponsored by Secretary Deb Haaland when she served in Congress, mandates the creation of a joint commission to address the missing and murdered indigenous persons crisis. The commission will include representatives of Tribal, state, and local law enforcement, Tribal judges, health care and mental health practitioners, and family members of missing and murdered Indian people.

Attorney General Merrick B. Garland stated, ‘The Justice Department is committed to working with the Interior Department to address the persistent violence endured by Native American families and communities across the country.’

Secretary Haaland added, ‘The Interior and Justice Departments have a unique opportunity to marshal our resources to finally address the crisis of violence against Indigenous peoples.’

Congress unanimously passed the Not Invisible Act in October 2020 to increase intergovernmental coordination to identify and combat violent crime against Indians and on Indian lands.

The commission must be composed of at least 28 federal and non-federal members who represent diverse experiences, backgrounds, and geography. The commission will hold hearings, take testimony, and receive evidence to develop recommendations for the federal government to combat violent crime against Indians and within Indian lands.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs’ Not Invisible Act website provides more information on the implementation of the Act and the joint commission’s efforts to address the crisis.