The Southern Ute Indian Tribe proudly supports Colorado legislation that would recognize, prioritize, and bring justice for our Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives (MMIR). The establishment of the Office of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives in the State of Colorado is a true demonstration of support for our communities. Almost every Indigenous person will experience some form of violence in their lifetime. Indigenous women and girls face the possibility of being murdered at ten times the rate of all other ethnicities. This crisis is the result of undervaluing Indigenous lives, underfunding, inaccurate reporting, misidentification, lack of media coverage, and jurisdictional dilemmas on reservations.

The Tribal Council convened to approve the Southern Ute Indian Tribe’s Honorary Proclamation declaring, Thursday, May 5, Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives Awareness Day.

Southern Ute tribal member and MMIR Advocate, Daisy Bluestar was present in Council Chambers for the approval. Tribal leadership, including council member Marge Barry, thanked Bluestar and all those who volunteer and fight to bring awareness and justice to tribal communities.