Indigenous Advocates Unite at Arizona Capitol to Demand Action on MMIP Awareness

At the Arizona State Capitol on Tuesday, the rally for missing and murdered Indigenous people drew a crowd of passionate supporters. Jared Marquez, with a hand dipped in red paint, marked young Taylor Martin Suniga’s face, symbolizing a commitment to the cause. Taylor, only six years old, wished for the handprint as a gesture of solidarity, as his grandmother Bertha Suniga explained, “We’re here to support all missing and murdered Indigenous people.”

More than a dozen attendees followed suit, receiving red handprints on their faces to signify the gravity of the issue. Reva Stewart, the founder of Turtle Island Women Warriors, spoke passionately, asserting, “It doesn’t take a huge amount of people to make a difference. We are their voice and we will continue to be their voice.” The non-profit advocates for Indigenous individuals affected by the epidemic of missing and murdered Indigenous people (MMIP) and the sober living home crisis.

Stewart emphasized the importance of their presence at the Capitol, especially as lawmakers and Governor Katie Hobbs deliberate on legislation. “They heard us,” she noted. The rally served as a reminder that Indigenous voices will not be overlooked.

“We do this in prayer, we don’t do this out of anger,” Stewart elaborated. Holding signs proclaiming “Justice for Natives” and “MMIW,” the group passionately chanted phrases like “Justice for Natives” and “Stolen people, stolen benefits.” They marched from the Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza, circling the Capitol before winding around the block.

In front of the Capitol, Marquez declared, “We shall not be silenced. We stand in solidarity for those that cannot be here.” After their rallying cries, they returned to the plaza, concluding with a moment of prayer.

Christa Miles from the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community showcased her sign reading “Invisible No More” alongside “Justice for all our Native people.” Her attendance was a personal mission, as she honored Emily Pike, among others. “I have three daughters. I am fighting for them,” she remarked, highlighting the universal threat faced by Indigenous women after Emily, a member of the San Carlos Apache Tribe, went missing in January and was later found deceased.

Addressing the importance of their collective voice, Miles stated, “We can’t be ignored.” Unity enhances their chances of being heard, as they all seek justice for a common cause. Stewart noted the rally was crucial in raising awareness about MMIP, particularly following Emily Pike’s tragic situation, vowing to utilize their voices until justice is served.

Stewart, deeply affected by her own experiences with families of missing individuals, understands the urgency of their fight. She has supported families in creating missing person posters and reaching out to agencies to locate their loved ones. Last December, she shared a personal story about her 15-year-old granddaughter, who went missing for two and a half weeks after running away from a group home in Phoenix but was ultimately located and returned to safety. “I am thankful for my team because we went out every day and looked for her,” she concluded.