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Debra Haaland
In a landmark move to address the crisis of violence against Indigenous people, the Not Invisible Act Commission has officially transmitted its extensive list of recommendations to the Department of the Interior, Department of Justice, and U.S. Congress. This significant development follows the commission's thorough evaluation of the urgent need for a cohesive strategy to combat violent crime against Indigenous peoples and the epidemic of missing, murdered, and trafficked American Indian and Alaska Native individuals.
Created under the Not Invisible Act and spearheaded by Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland during her tenure in Congress, the Commission is a pioneering cross-jurisdictional advisory body. It comprises law enforcement officials, Tribal leaders, federal partners, service providers, survivors, and family members of the missing and murdered, aiming to forge actionable solutions across six critical areas to enhance safety and justice within Indigenous territories.
Secretary Haaland expressed deep gratitude for the Commission's dedication, emphasizing the anticipated positive impact of their recommendations on enhancing safety in Indian Country. 'Everyone deserves to feel safe in their community,' Haaland remarked, highlighting the historical neglect and underfunding of crimes against Indigenous peoples rooted in centuries of intergenerational trauma.
Echoing Haaland's sentiments, Attorney General Merrick B. Garland underscored the importance of the recommendations in addressing the disproportionate violence faced by Tribal communities. Garland reaffirmed the Justice Department's commitment to collaborative efforts in implementing these critical suggestions.
The recommendations arrive at a pivotal moment, building upon President Biden's Executive Order 14053 and the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act in 2022, both aimed at bolstering public safety and justice for Native Americans. These federal initiatives, together with the commission's work, signify a renewed focus on addressing the MMIP crisis through enhanced data collection, support services for survivors and families, resource allocation to Tribal justice systems, and comprehensive education and outreach programs.
In Cibola County, New Mexico, where incidents of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women have deeply affected the community, the commission's recommendations hold particular significance. The county, home to the Laguna Pueblo, shares a connection with Secretary Haaland and has been a focal point for federal and local efforts to address the MMIP crisis, including the tragic case of Mona Renee Vallo.
The Commission's recommendations set a deadline for federal responses within 90 calendar days, marking a critical step forward in a coordinated approach to combat the longstanding crisis of violence against Indigenous peoples.