Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel highlighted the Department of Attorney General’s Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) Task Force on May 5, in observance of National MMIP Awareness Day. The announcement comes as part of ongoing efforts to address high rates of violence against Indigenous people in Michigan.
The issue is significant because Indigenous communities face disproportionately high rates of violence, particularly among women, children, and two-spirit individuals. The MMIP crisis has drawn national attention, prompting local action to improve prevention and response measures.
Nessel said, “Today allows us to raise awareness and reinforce our commitment to addressing the MMIP crisis. Through our interagency task force, my office will continue working to combat violence against Indigenous people and secure justice for survivors.”
Formed in September 2024, the MMIP Task Force is an interagency collaboration that includes tribal, federal, state and local prosecutors; law enforcement officers; victim advocates; and human services specialists. The group works together to identify factors contributing to vulnerability among Indigenous individuals and aims for a holistic approach centered on victims’ needs while respecting cultural practices.
Individuals with information about missing or murdered Indigenous people in Michigan are encouraged to call the Department’s tipline at 517-284-0008 or use other available federal and tribal resources. More details can be found on the MMIP Task Force webpage.
The initiative reflects a broader movement toward addressing longstanding issues facing Native communities by fostering cooperation between government agencies and community stakeholders.