BILLINGS, Mont. — On September 27, community members, advocates, and organizations gathered outside the Yellowstone County Courthouse for a vigil addressing the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP). Strong Hearts Strong Minds, Bethlehem Lutheran Church, MMIP Billings, Billings First Church, NADC, Montana State University Billings, the Rocky Mountain Tribal Leaders Council, and Western Native Voice contributed to the event by offering healing spaces and advocacy. Western Native Voice also assisted with setup, donated chairs, and tabled at the event, securing over 20 voter registrations to empower Native communities politically.
Voting is essential in addressing the MMIP crisis. By electing leaders who prioritize justice and resources for Native communities, voting can help drive the systemic changes needed to address the root causes of this ongoing tragedy. Native communities have the power to shift the policies that impact them most by using their voice at the ballot box.
The MMIP crisis continues to disproportionately affect Native communities, with Native women facing murder rates 10 times higher than the national average. Community members gathered outside the courthouse to share stories of pain and loss, speaking about their loved ones who are missing or have been lost to violence. The vigil became both a moment of remembrance and a call for action, focusing on legislative and societal change.
As the event drew to a close, the importance of voting as a means to effect change resonated with many in attendance. The MMIP crisis, long ignored by mainstream America, now commands greater attention in places like Billings, thanks to the persistent efforts of these organizations. The community’s determination to make their voices heard is growing—and with it, the hope for a future where the safety and well-being of Native communities are prioritized.