Missing and murdered Native American women and girls.
The resolution emphasizes the need for comprehensive solutions to combat the epidemic of missing and murdered Indigenous women, echoing concerns over the lack of data and reporting discrepancies that have obscured the scale of this tragedy. Notably, it points out that more than 5,900 Native American and Alaska Native women were reported missing in the United States, yet only a fraction of these cases is properly recorded in national databases. This discrepancy underlines the importance of coordinated efforts to accurately document and investigate these cases, which should lead to more effective law enforcement responses.
AJR 17, introduced by Assembly Member Ramos, addresses the critical issue of missing and murdered Native American women and girls in California. The resolution highlights the alarming statistics indicating that Native American women are victims of murder and sexual assault at significantly higher rates than their non-Native counterparts. It specifically requests that the President and Congress of the United States enact legislation to improve communication and cooperation among federal, state, local, and tribal authorities, which is fundamental for enhancing the safety of Native American women and girls.
AJR 17, while largely framed as a necessary call for action, might face contention related to federal vs. state collaboration. Some stakeholders may argue about the adequacy of measures proposed to ensure that tribal authorities are adequately involved in the solutions, particularly in terms of data collection and policy implementation. The resolution seeks to rectify institutional biases and historical neglect, which are systemic issues rooted in the broader challenges faced by Native American communities. Therefore, any legislation that emerges from this resolution must balance respect for tribal sovereignty while ensuring safety and justice for Indigenous women.