Attorney General Dana Nessel announced the formation of the Missing or Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP) Task Force to address the high rates of violence against Indigenous people in the state of Michigan.
Task Force:
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- It will be a collaboration between tribes, federal, and state and local prosecutors, law enforcement officers, victim advocates, and human services specialists.
- Members will work to identify, develop, and implement solutions to the crisis.
- Nearly 85% of Indigenous women experience violence in their lifetime. The Task Force will focus on improving the investigation and prosecution of cases, bridging gaps in law enforcement systems, and identifying best practices.
- The Task Force aims to develop a holistic, victim-centered, and culturally honoring approach to prevention, response, and support.
“We’re grateful that Attorney General Nessel is leading this new effort to address the heartbreaking issue of violence impacting Indigenous people,” said Dorie Rios, Chair of the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi (an MLC client). “For too long this issue has been largely ignored by local, state and federal law enforcement officials, leaving Tribal members to feel like second-class citizens. This task force will help bring change to a long-overlooked human rights issue.”
