Vigils, rallies mark day of awareness for Indigenous victims
SUSAN MONTOYA BRYAN and FELICIA FONSECA, Associated Press
May 5, 2021
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1of17Family members of missing and murdered indigenous women in Montana gather in front of the state Capitol in Helena, Mont., Wednesday, May 5, 2021. They received colorful shawls in a traditional Native American ceremony called wiping away of tears. From Washington to Indigenous communities across the American Southwest, top government officials, family members and advocates gathered Wednesday as part of a call to action to address the ongoing problem of violence against Indigenous women and children.Iris Samuels/APShow MoreShow Less
2of17Women listen to speakers during a ceremony to commemorate missing and murdered indigenous people in front of the Montana state Capitol in Helena, Mont., Wednesday, May 5. 2021. From Washington to Indigenous communities across the American Southwest, top government officials,
Advocates mark Day of Awareness for missing and murdered indigenous people
Jonathon Ambarian
State and tribal leaders and family members of missing and murdered people gathered at the Montana State Capitol on May 5, a national Day of Awareness.
and last updated 2021-05-06 00:02:53-04
HELENA â May 5 is National Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness Day, and across Montana, people gathered to make sure the crisis isnât forgotten.
In Helena, events started Wednesday morning. A small group of people gathered on the Walking Mall to âSmudge the Streets.â
Smudging is a traditional ceremony for cleansing and purification. Those taking part walked up Last Chance Gulch, burning bundles of sage and sweetgrass, spreading the smoke and holding prayers.
Vigils, Rallies Mark Day Of Awareness For Indigenous Victims -
By Susan Montoya Bryan And Felicia Fonseca Associated Press
Some shared agonizing stories of frustration and loss. Others prayed and performed ceremonies. All called for action.
Across the U.S. on Wednesday, family members, advocates and government leaders commemorated a day of awareness for the crises of violence against Indigenous women and children. They met at virtual events, vigils and rallies at state capitols and raised their voices on social media.
In Washington, a gathering hosted by U.S. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland and other federal officials started with a prayer asking for guidance and grace for the Indigenous families who have lost relatives and those who have been victims of violence.