The Urgent Call for Data Transparency: Tracking Native American Women’s Missing and Murdered Cases

The issue of missing and murdered Native American women continues to be a deeply troubling and critical topic. Despite the existence of 326 federally recognized Indian reservations, the challenges and complexities surrounding this pervasive problem are often overshadowed by the lack of comprehensive data collection and reporting. This article delves into the historical context, current concerns, and potential solutions to address this pressing issue.

Historical Context and Jurisdictional Landscape

The General Crimes Act of 1817 laid the foundation for the U.S. government's jurisdiction over crimes involving non-Native individuals on reservations. This was followed by the Major Crimes Act of 1885, which granted federal jurisdiction over major crimes, including murder, manslaughter, and sexual abuse.

Since the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934, many Native American nations have established their own constitutions, laws, and tribal law enforcement. The Tribal Law and Order Act of 2010 aimed to strengthen tribal authority and improve collaboration with federal agencies. However, even with these advancements, tribal courts face limitations in prosecution, particularly in sentencing.

Current Challenges and Statistics

The statistics related to missing and murdered Native American women are alarming. Violent crime rates on reservations are more than two and a half times higher than the national average, and American Indian women are 10 times as likely to be murdered and raped or sexually assaulted at a rate four times the national average.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, they only file charges in approximately half of the Indian country murder investigations and turn down nearly two-thirds of sexual assault cases. This lack of accountability and data collection contributes significantly to the ongoing crisis.

The Need for Data Transparency and Accountability

The lack of accurate data has profound implications. Without adequate information, it is challenging to assess the true scale of the problem, develop effective policies, and provide necessary support to Native American communities. The inability to track and report these cases transparently hampers efforts to address the underlying issues.

A recent initiative by a Democrat Senator in North Dakota, the Savanna’s Act, aims to address this gap by requiring an annual report to Congress with statistics on missing and murdered Native women and recommendations on how to improve data collection. This step is crucial in fostering a more informed and responsive approach to addressing these crimes.

Conclusion

The challenges faced by Native American women regarding missing and murdered cases are not only a matter of personal safety but also a systemic issue that requires immediate attention. Data transparency and robust legal frameworks are essential in providing the necessary support and awareness. By prioritizing these issues, we can move towards a future where all women, regardless of their background, can live safely and without fear.

Further Reading

On Indian Reservations Higher Crime and Fewer Prosecutions