MMIWP Summit Approaches

On Monday, May 5, Bismarck State College will host a summit addressing the national crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, People, and Relatives (MMIWP). The event will take place from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Advanced Technology Center (ATC) in the Live Event Venue.

This event will have a keynote speaker, Connie Walker. She was announced as one of the TIMES top 100 most influential people in 2024. Walker talks about Indigenous stories and shares them with her powerful storytelling. The event will have a panel discussion with Law Enforcement & Legislative Officials, featuring Brad Hawk, McLean County Sheriff JR Kerzmann, N.D. Representative Jayme Davis, and former U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp.

Filmmaker and Indigenous advocate Prairie Rose Seminole will serve as emcee for the event. Cultural elements will include a presentation by the UTTC Color Guard and performances by the Lake Region Singers, honoring the traditions and resilience of Indigenous communities.

The summit will feature testimonies and perspectives from individuals and families directly impacted by the crisis. It also includes testimonies from those engaged in search, rescue, and recovery efforts. Their stories mayprovide a more personal and human lens through which to understand the impact of this ongoing tragedy.