The Missing and Murdered Indigenous People/Relatives (MMIP/MMIR) movement brings attention to the disproportionate rates of violence and disappearances among Indigenous people and advocates for greater accountability, justice, and support for affected families and communities.
How can communities, institutions, and individuals respond to this historical and ongoing epidemic? Hear from four panelists working across advocacy, forensics, mental health, and the justice system. Carissa Heavy Runner will share how her advocacy for her daughter, Mika Westwolf, helped launch the #MikaMatters Movement. Dr. Haley Omeasoo will discuss the importance of Indigenous-led forensic services. Ashton Smith will explore the intergenerational impacts of colonization and how its tactics have perpetuated ongoing violence against Native people and contributed to the MMIP/MMIR movement. Chloe Zuraff will share her perspective as a non-Native ally working within the justice system, including how institutions can support MMIP efforts and address the disproportionate impacts of incarceration and victimization on Indigenous people.
Join City Club Missoula for a conversation about the challenges facing Indigenous communities, the work being done in Montana, and how we can move toward greater awareness, accountability, and action.
Panelists:
- Dr. Haley Omeasoo, Executive Director of Ohkomi Forensics
- Carissa Heavy Runner, Mother of Mika Westwolf and MMIP advocate
- Ashton Smith, MA, Clinical Psychology PhD Student at the University of Montana and Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribal Health
- Chloe Zuraff, Anti-Human Trafficking Coordinator at the Montana Department of Corrections
**Lunch registration ends on November 2nd
Note: Doors open at 11:15am with presentations beginning at 11:30am