The CCVAP and the MMIP Epidemic

This week, our blog will be a bit different than our normal format. As we are still well within the month of May, which is considered the awareness month for Missing and Murdered Indigenous People, we have decided to provide you all with a few key points the CCVAP has and continues to focus on to help end the epidemic.

Last year we held a virtual discussion panel regarding the MMIP epidemic. From this panel, we were able to grasp a clear idea of the need for county, tribal, and state collaboration. Therefore, in 2023 the CCVAP has spearheaded a multi-disciplinary team (MDT) aimed at discussing the issues surrounding MMIP in Southern California. Through this MDT, we hope we will be able to make connections across all avenues and help bring justice to the community.

Additionally, the CCVAP has begun working on a collaborative MMIP “Toolkit” alongside the Strong Hearted Native Women’s Coalition Inc. The goal of the toolkit it to provide Native American people, law enforcement, and county agencies the tools needed for when an Indigenous person goes missing. Through the collaboration, we hope the toolkit will be ready to launch by the end of 2023.

The CCVAP has also begun to take a greater role in public policy and advocacy on the state level. Not only has our team written many letters in support of CA legislation aimed at curbing the epidemic; but, our Program Director, Samantha, recently spoke to lawmakers at the California State Capitol on the severity of the MMIP epidemic in California.

Lastly, we have continued our grassroots advocacy efforts by continuity educating the public on the MMIP crisis every chance we get. Though we have been busy, there is still much more work to be done!