Trump administration removes key report on Indigenous peoples

Activists are concerned after the Trump administration removed a key report about missing and murdered Indigenous peoples from government websites. This report, created by the Not Invisible Act Commission, aimed to address the crisis affecting Indigenous communities. The commission was formed through bipartisan legislation and included input from survivors, families, and advocates. The Not Invisible Act Commission held hearings across the country and gathered testimonies from nearly 600 participants. Their final report contained crucial recommendations for addressing the high rates of abduction, assault, and murder within Indigenous communities. Advocates emphasized that this report was an essential resource for governments at all levels. Activists were shocked to find the report removed. Charolette Gonzales, a director at the Coalition to Stop Violence Against Native Women, expressed concerns about the future availability of vital information. She stated that the removal is a setback for efforts to inform and protect Indigenous communities. Despite the setback, activists vow to continue their work. Karrisa Newkirk from MMIW Chahta emphasized the ongoing need to support families affected by violence, regardless of changes in Washington. She described the removal of the report as "a slap in the face." Some organizations are now discussing creating their own databases to ensure that important information remains accessible. Gonzales mentioned the importance of documenting data on missing Indigenous women, especially as governmental resources become less reliable. Worries extend beyond the missing and murdered crisis; there are also concerns about treaty rights and tribal sovereignty under the current administration. With new executive orders emerging, activists feel emotionally exhausted by the implications for their communities. They stress that adequate federal funding is crucial to combating violence against Indigenous women.