The Metro: Seeking justice, restoring visibility for Michigan’s missing Indigenous people

In Michigan and across much of the country, Indigenous people vanish, and often, their cases vanish with them.

Wrapped up in those unsolved cases are incomplete stories, transformed communities, and grieving families.

When those families seek answers, they are frequently left with more questions. Tribal police, state cops, and federal agencies are often all involved to some degree, and this jurisdictional maze is one reason many cases remain unsolved.

But rising awareness at the state level could spell change.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer recently proclaimed May 5 “Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness Day” to coincide with the national day of remembrance. It is a push for collaboration between state and tribal governments to address the failures of law enforcement and government.

A new state task force is also centered on bringing together tribal, federal, state, and local officials and advocates to make a dent in the roughly 4,000 unsolved cases in the state. 

The Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi, a tribe based in southwestern Michigan, has been at the forefront of this kind of work through marches, advocacy, and community healing. The tribe has emerged as a leader in the fight for Indigenous visibility and justice.

Robyn Elkins, the tribe’s vice-chairperson, joined The Metro to discuss what it’s like to advocate for an issue that has deeply affected her community.

Use the media player above to hear the full conversation.

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