The MMIR (Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives), initially referred to as the MMIW (Women) crisis, is a national crime pattern of disproportionate murder and missing cases of Indigenous peoples in the US that has been ongoing for centuries. The crisis is a result of many forces, one being the failure of the US to protect Indigenous relatives, paired with the lack of resources for Tribes to provide justice and victim services.
In a remarkable initiative led by the Native American House, the spirit of creativity and awareness converged to spotlight the pressing crisis of violence against Indigenous Peoples. For two inspiring weeks, Chicago-based Native artist Angel Starr (Arikara, Omaha, and Odawa) led participants through a journey of identity and remembrance. The focus of this unique residency was the creation of traditional red regalia, a symbolic expression of creativity and remembrance.
Learn more about MMIR at https://nah.illinois.edu/programs/mmir.