Murder is the third-leading cause of death among American Indian and Alaska Native women, with Tucson having the highest number of cases of missing and murdered women and girls.
Native Americans whose relatives have gone missing or been killed wore red on Friday, a color synonymous with raising awareness about the disproportionate number of Indigenous people who have been victims of violence.
Witnesses offered a variety of solutions, such as making it easier for tribes to levy taxes, letting them manage their land based on tribal laws and regulations, and passing the Buy Indian Act.
Monday, Oct. 10, is Indigenous Peoples’ Day, and across Arizona, many are choosing to commemorate this newly recognized holiday instead of Columbus Day.
“Regardless of how we get them here, ... we’re putting our issues in front of them," said O.J. Semons about six Democratic presidential candidates this week.