BOZEMAN, MT — Western Native Voice recently hosted a screening of the documentary “Sisters Rising” in Bozeman, Montana, spotlighting the ongoing crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP). The event, held on May 28th, featured an engaging discussion with Charlene Sleeper, a prominent advocate in the MMIP movement.
The film “Sisters Rising” explores the disturbing prevalence of violence against Native communities, documenting the resilience of survivors and the determination of advocates fighting for justice. It’s a critical issue, underscored by data indicating that Indigenous women are murdered at rates up to ten times the national average—a stark statistic that highlights the severity of the crisis. The event drew a crowd of community members, united by a shared concern for the issues presented and motivated by the documentary’s call to action.
Following the screening, MMIP Billings LLC’s Charlene Sleeper addressed the audience, highlighting the often overlooked qualitative aspects of the MMIP issue: “Non-Native spaces are heavily reliant on data, which is very important to have. You need that data in order to support research funding and grant funding. For all kinds of funding you need the numbers,” Sleeper explained. “But what often happens is that we lose sight of the qualitative side of that, which is narrative. If you don’t have the qualitative side, which is the narrative of the crimes that are taking place in Indian Country such as sexual assault, homicides, missing persons, or human trafficking, you don’t get the full picture of who the numbers actually represent. So what the MMIP movement is trying to do is add that photograph.”
Sleeper’s commentary illuminated the critical need for a balanced approach that integrates both statistical data and personal stories to effectively convey the human impact behind the statistics and spur societal and policy changes.
The evening concluded with a Q&A session, offering attendees the opportunity to delve deeper into the subject matter and discuss concrete ways to support the MMIP cause. The engagement from the community underscored a profound commitment to addressing and resolving this crisis.
The screening of “Sisters Rising” is a testament to the Western Native Voice’s commitment to raising awareness and promoting action against the MMIP crisis. For more information on how to get involved with Western Native Voice or to learn more about upcoming events and initiatives, follow us across social platforms. Together, advocacy and informed action can pave the way for meaningful change in the lives of Native communities.