The Task Force has been empowered to conduct consultations; develop model protocols to apply to new and unsolved cases of missing or murdered persons in American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities, including best practices for law enforcement response, data sharing, and better use of databases; establish multi-disciplinary and multi-jurisdictional teams to review cold cases that involve missing and murdered AI/AN; and develop both an education/outreach campaign and a public awareness campaign. However, the Task Force itself does not have the authority to review or investigate ongoing cases or cold cases, nor to provide direct or indirect support to victims or families at any stage of the criminal investigation or proceedings. If you or your family requires additional assistance, there are resources that may be able to provide assistance or refer you to organizations that might assist you.
Report to the President: Activities and Accomplishments of the First Year of Operation Lady Justice
Executive Order 13898 sets forth the range of tasks to be completed over the two-year life of the Task Force, which includes a report at the end of the first year which details:
- the activities and accomplishments of the Task Force;
- the status of projects the Task Force has not yet completed; and
- specific recommendations for future action of the Task Force.
The Report was released on December 10, and is available here.
Tribal Consultations
The Presidential Task Force on Missing and Murdered American Indians and Alaska Natives, also known as Operation Lady Justice, announces the upcoming series of Tribal consultations under Executive Order 13898. The Executive Order requires the Task Force to “conduct appropriate consultations with Tribal governments on the scope and nature of the issues regarding missing and murdered American Indians and Alaska Natives.” While the Task Force had plans in place for a robust schedule of consultations and listening sessions in various locations in Indian country and elsewhere beginning in March, postponement of those sessions was required by the current public health crisis. Therefore, the Task Force has established a series of Tribal consultations to be held virtually. The sessions are regional, based on Bureau of Indian Affairs regions.
The tribal consultations are now complete. Please visit the Readouts from Listening Sessions/Consultations page to find a video recording and transcript from each session.
Resources for Tribes
If you or your family requires additional assistance, there are resources that may be able to provide assistance or refer you to organizations that might assist you.
Tribal and State Task Forces and Efforts to Address Missing and Murdered American Indians and Alaska Natives
Contains a state by state list of available reports and documents.
Watch a video message from Director Jessica E. Hart, Office for Victims of Crime, discussing the agencies commitment to bringing safety to our tribal communities by establishing a new Tribal Division. This division will ensure the Office for Victims of Crime is appropriately staffed to serve American Indian and Alaska Native communities by streamlining the distribution and management of tribal grant awards.
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Human Trafficking in Native Communities
Human trafficking involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion to obtain some type of labor or commercial sex act. Every year, millions of men, women, and children are trafficked worldwide – including right here in the United States.
Native Communities Awareness Poster Series
These posters were created to raise awareness of human trafficking among Native communities. Informed by Native survivors of human trafficking, the series uses culturally-relevant images and messages. Organizations working to reach Native communities with information about human trafficking can display these posters in locations like schools, community centers, and offices.
Missing and Murdered American Indians and Alaska Natives Resources and Fact Sheets
There are resources available to help address the issues surrounding the missing and murdered American Indians and Alaska Natives in the US.
Listening Sessions / Consultations
The Task Force has set forth a schedule of listening sessions and consultations nationwide beginning in February through July 2020. For the session closest to you, please click the link below.
Readouts / Media
Since Executive Order 13898 was signed on November 26, 2019, the Task Force has met with Tribal stakeholders. Please click on the link below to see some of the events.
Current Missing American Indian and Alaska Native Children
The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) and NamUs have posters and information on currently missing American Indian and Alaska Native Children.
Proclamation
By Presidential Proclamation, May 5, 2020 has been designated as Missing and Murdered American Indians and Alaska Natives Awareness Day. Please click the link for further information on the Proclamation.