LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) —  A new task force dedicated to addressing violence against Indigenous people has been launched in Michigan. 

Led by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, the Missing or Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP) Task Force will bring together a wide coalition of tribal leaders, prosecutors, law enforcement officials, victim advocates, and human services specialists to develop solutions.

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“The MMIP Task Force marks a critical first step in combatting abuse and violence against Indigenous people in Michigan,” Nessel said.

The initiative aims to raise awareness, address contributing factors, and implement Michigan-specific solutions to help victims and their families, according to a press release from the AG’s office. 

The task force’s first meeting took place in September and included tribal leaders, state and federal agencies, and advocacy groups. Discussions focused on ways to prevent violence, improve responses to incidents, and offer support for victims.

“By prosecuting and tackling the root causes of these crimes, working directly with this broad coalition of MMIP Task Force members, we can build safer communities and pave the way for justice for the families and victims impacted by this crisis,” Nessel said. “I look forward to working alongside tribal leaders and state, federal, and nonprofit partners to create real, systematic change for Michigan’s Indigenous population.”

Leaders from Michigan’s tribal nations welcomed the effort.

“The Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians is pleased to join forces with Attorney General Nessel, other tribal nations within Michigan, and the rest of the MMIP task force to work collaboratively on awareness, prevention, response, and support of missing or murdered Indigenous people,” Tribal Council Chairman Matthew Wesaw said, according to MLive.

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Dorie Rios, chair of the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi, spoke about the need for change.

“For too long this issue has been largely ignored by local, state, and federal law enforcement officials, leaving Tribal members to feel like second-class citizens,” Rios said. 

The MMIP Task Force will hold its next meeting in December to continue its efforts to address the issue.