(Riverton, WY) – The local Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives 307 advocacy group presented one of its newly created flags to the Riverton City Council this week, expressing gratitude for the $3,000 contribution from the city that helped fund the project.
“Without you guys, this wouldn’t have happened,” MMIR 307 Board Member Nicole Wagon told the council during a regular meeting Tuesday.
The flags, which are double-sided and washable, feature the MMIR307 logo and the Northern Arapaho and Eastern Shoshone flags, with a dotted background representing Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives stretching back to “infinity,” Wagon said, crediting MMIR307 Board Member Shay Jimerson for taking the lead on the design and being “heartfelt with the meaning.”
Wagon also thanked MMIR 307 Board Members Corrine Tuma and Cassandra Burson as well as city staff and the team at Ranger Printers for putting “a lot of effort” into the flags.
“I think they turned out well,” she said, inviting the council to come see the flags on display next weekend during the 65th Annual Eastern Shoshone Indian Days Powwow.
MMIR307 will have an information booth at the powwow where people can come “share their stories,” learn more about the local organization, and write the names of missing and murdered loved ones on stickers bearing red hand prints, which will also be displayed, Wagon said, thanking the Drug Enforcement Administration for providing the stickers.
MMIR307 is also sponsoring a Red Dress/Red Shirt Special for Powwow participants ages 18 and over in all categories who would like to honor Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives during the event, Wagon said.
Participants can register for the Special via QR code after receiving their number at powwow registration, organizers said.
“This is more than a dance. It’s a stand,” MMIR 307 said in a Facebook post publicizing the Special. “It’s a voice for the voiceless. A light for those taken too soon. Wear Red. Dance for the Missing and Murdered. Rise for the Relatives.”
MMIR307.org is dedicated to honoring, protecting, and amplifying the voices of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives in Wyoming and beyond, driving positive change and fostering a brighter future, the organization said in a press release this week.
“Together, we are creating a future where indigenous lives are valued, respected, and protected, ensuring every relative is seen, heard and no longer overlooked,” the press release said. “It’s great to all work together for the missing and murdered indigenous relatives crisis across our nations!”