What This Guide Does

When an Indigenous person goes missing, families face huge challenges. Different police departments argue about who should help. This guide will:

• Show you how to get support
• Help you understand the system
• Give you steps to find your loved one

The Hard Truth About Missing Indigenous People

The numbers are shocking:

• Murder is the top cause of death for Indigenous women in the US
• In Canada, Indigenous women are 4 times more likely to be murdered
• Many cases never get solved
• Some missing people aren’t even counted

Why This Happens

This crisis comes from:

• Broken communities
• Forced cultural changes
• Deep mistrust between Indigenous people and police

Who’s Responsible? Understanding Jurisdiction

When someone goes missing, it gets complicated:

Tribal Police

• Have limited power
• Work with small budgets
• Can’t always prosecute non-Indigenous people

Local Police

• Rules change by location
• Often don’t understand Indigenous culture

Federal Agencies

• Handle major crimes on tribal lands
• Need special conditions to get involved

Immediate Steps for Families

What to Do Right Away

1. Report to ALL police departments
2. Don’t wait 72 hours (this is a myth)
3. Keep detailed records
4. Collect important information:
   • Recent photos
   • Medical records
   • Social media accounts
   • Places they often visit

Key Questions to Ask

• Where did they go missing?
• What are the local laws?
• Which police departments cover this area?

Communication Tips

• Create one document with all case information
• Ask for a joint task force
• Get regular updates
• Keep a detailed log of all conversations

Support Organizations

• National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center
• Sovereign Bodies Institute
• Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women USA

Using Media and Social Media

News Media

• Write a clear press release
• Find reporters who understand Indigenous issues

Social Media

• Use hashtags like #MMIW
• Create shareable posts with case information

Your Rights

• You can file a report immediately
• You deserve regular investigation updates
• You can submit new evidence
• You can request more resources

Coming Soon: The RIV App

The RIV (Report, Investigate, Validate) app will help families:

• Navigate reporting processes
• Know which authorities to contact
• Track case progress across agencies

Final Thoughts

Finding a missing loved one is hard. This system is complex, but you’re not alone. Many families have pushed through these barriers.

Stay strong. Stay hopeful. Keep fighting.

Take Action

• Connect with support groups
• Learn about these issues
• Support Indigenous-led organizations
• Push for policy changes