On October 29th, close to two thousand people, from all faiths and non-believers, came together to honor and mourn the lives that were lost at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh at the hands of a hate-filled gunman. Those of us who were in the main sanctuary watched in wonder at the ever growing crowd-unaware of all of those in overflow rooms and out on the streets surrounding Mount Zion Temple who felt compelled to join this community of love.  For all of the fear and hate that events of the last week have wrought upon our country, in this sacred space we were reminded of what America looks like and what we stand for- togetherness, peace, hope and a determination to end the hate and violence.

Now is the time to take action to ensure that we protect our rights and once again live in a country we are proud of. If not now - when? This is why we marched. In addition to the requests to participate, we will be sending out motivational videos and educational pieces about the election process called “Election Central”.

Tuesday, the bill to fund a Task Force on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (HF70) passed in the MN Public Safety Committee. Next, it goes to Ways and Means. The Senate version is yet to have a hearing. See more details on Tuesday’s hearing and the powerful testimony,

Meanwhile, money is needed to fund the important work being done by Native Lives Matter Coalition and others to raise awareness, support families and Indigenous women-led organizations on the front-line of this work and find solutions. Some of the funds raised will be used to organize the upcoming MMIW Memorial March and RED Ribbon Memorial.

For centuries Indigenous women (and girls) have been victims of violent crime - going missing and being murdered at a much higher rate than any other group, with very little accounting of the extent of the problem.

Based on the limited data that exists, Indigenous women are 2 ½ times more likely to suffer violence than any other group in the US. In some parts of Minnesota, the murder rate of Indigenous women is over 10 times higher than anywhere else in the country.

Although the topic of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women has gained awareness in recent years, and while sex trafficking and the fossil fuel industry go hand in hand, in fact this issue has been plaguing Indigenous communities for hundreds of years.

Tuesday, January 29, bill (HF70) will be heard by the Public Safety Committee to appropriate funds to enact a task force to start collecting data and make reports to the legislature regarding how to stop this epidemic of missing and murdered indigenous women.

This Friday (10/12) at noon, MN high school students will walk out of their schools and head to the Capitol to demand better consent education in high school and to stand with survivors.

Minneapolis Franklin Hiawatha camp - find out about the issues and how to help.

The Wall of Forgotten Natives first appeared a month ago. This temporary encampment now holds about 300 homeless people and 150 tents. Many organizations and agencies are working to support the people at camp and to find stable accommodation for them. Listen to Patina Park of Metropolitan Urban Indian Directors (MUID) and Minnesota Indian Women’s Resources Center to understand the issues behind the Mpls Franklin Hiawatha camp and to find out what you can do to help.

Just 55 days to the elections! Want to find out what the candidates running in your district stand for? Even better - want to ask the candidates a question so they will have to go public on issues that are important to you?