Rapid City event honors families of MMIW

Homicide remains a leading cause of death for indigenous women and girls, who want community support for better law and order. (Photo courtesy/ Linda Boyle)

RAPID CITY – The Black Hills Red Ribbon Skirt Society celebrated Valentine’s Day on Feb. 14 with public events here in remembrance of murdered and missing indigenous women, children and two-spirited.
The occasion featured the hanging of symbolic red dresses outside Racing Magpie and The Bird Cage Book Store at the former Aby Feed building at 406 5th St. downtown.
The site is home to the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Children and Two -Spirited Center for Healing….Prayer and Remembrance.
Activities included Valentine’s card making, finger painting on a large canvas that Duane Wilcox created, and an outdoor rally to raise awareness for protection of at-risk community members.
Homicide is the third leading cause of death among American Indian and Alaska Native women between 10 and 24 years of age and the fifth leading cause of death for those women between 25 and 34.
Investigation into cases of missing and murdered Indian women is difficult for tribal law enforcement agencies due to lack of resources, such as necessary training, equipment, or funding; lack of interagency cooperation; and lack of appropriate laws in place.

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