HANNAHVILLE, Mich. (WZMQ) – Earlier this month, Michigan recognized Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness Day. On Friday, an Upper Peninsula Tribe held an annual event to promote education on the issue.
Members of the Hannahville Indian Community gathered at the Great Hall to walk for their missing and murdered Indigenous relatives.
“We’ve done it for several years, mainly because we’re concerned about our Native women and how they’re murdered and how they go missing,” said Tribal Chairperson Kenneth Meshigaud.
It’s a pain that Hannahville has been feeling for decades.
“Cathy Williams disappeared about 25 – 30 years ago,” Meshigaud said. “We still haven’t heard from her, haven’t found her, but we still have hope that one day she will return to us safely.”
It’s also something Indigenous populations experience at disproportionate rates.
“Extreme violence in our community, murders, et cetera,” said Meshigaud. “We sadly know what it feels like.”
Many participants in the one-mile walk wore red clothing or shirts with a red hand, representing missing and murdered Indigenous women. Meshigaud says it is a symbol of the tragedies still occurring, as well as a sign to take action.
“We hope that it’ll bring awareness to people who may have seen a Native woman somewhere who might mention it to somebody,” he said. “Just send us information. Information will be provided. Just give us a call.”
For some, the walk was a somber moment of reflection. For others, it was an opportunity to fellowship. For many, it was a time of healing.
“Some exercise, some fresh air, and some education and willingness to work with us and help solve our issues,” Meshigaud said.
Anyone with information on a missing or murdered Indigenous person is asked to contact Diane at Hannahville Victim Services at (906) 723-2669.