The Northern Arapaho Business Council (NABC) has approved a resolution creating two volunteer positions dedicated to representing the Tribe with local, state and federal authorities on the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP).
Appointed to the roles are Dara Jefferson and Christie Wildcat, each of whom has previous experience bringing attention to MMIP issues.
“For decades, Indian Country has suffered unspeakable violence at the hands of perpetrators who too often have gone unpunished,” the NABC said. “The Northern Arapaho Tribe is committed to raising public awareness of this tragedy, ending the cycle of violence and achieving justice for these victims and their families. Ms. Jefferson and Ms. Wildcat are experienced on the issue of Missing and Murdered Indigenous People, and will be strong advocates with our local, state and federal partners and authorities.”
The appointments are for a two-year term, which may be extended at the discretion of the NABC.
“I became involved in this movement because the family of Rita Papakee, a missing Meskwaki woman, asked me for help,” said Ms. Jefferson. “I have helped advocate and organize for families of MMIP in Iowa for 8 years prior to returning home to Wind River. It is an honor to be recognized for the work I have done and entrusted with such an important responsibility for our Tribe. I thank the NABC and look forward to working with families and joining the work already taking place in Wyoming.”
“This is critically important work, and I’m deeply grateful to the NABC,” said Ms. Wildcat. “I intend to be a voice for victims and their families, and to work with Tribal leaders and our local, state and federal partners to bring about positive change.”
The appointments are the NABC’s latest step to address the MMIP crisis.
In 2023, Tribal leaders supported adoption of the Ashanti Alert, state legislation that more quickly alerts the public, media and law enforcement when members of the indigenous community are reported missing. Last year, the NABC cooperated with the Eastern Shoshone Tribe on an effort with the FBI to conduct community listening sessions and gather data on unsolved Tribal homicides, missing persons and cold cases.
A 2021 report found that the homicide rate for indigenous people in Wyoming was an estimated eight times higher than for white people; the homicide rate for indigenous females was over 6 times higher than for white females.