LOS ANGELES – In a meaningful step toward justice and visibility for Indigenous communities, the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) Board of Education unanimously passed Resolution 057-25/26, recognizing Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Relatives (MMIWR) Awareness Day and advancing efforts to support education, safety, and equity for Indigenous students and families.
“This resolution is about visibility, respect, and justice," said Board Vice President Dr. Rocío Rivas. We have a responsibility to ensure our students understand the realities facing Indigenous communities while also creating safe, supportive environments that honor their identities and experiences,” said Board Vice President Dr. Rocío Rivas.
The resolution formally designates May 5 as MMIWR Awareness Day across LAUSD and affirms the District’s commitment to raising awareness about the ongoing crisis disproportionately impacting Indigenous women, girls, and relatives. It highlights the role of public education in fostering understanding, respect, and informed action around issues affecting Indigenous communities.
“Indigenous women are being murdered and disappearing at one of the highest rates in the nation with the US Department of the Interior referring to this as a crisis,” said Board President Scott M. Schmerelson. “What makes these incidents even more concerning is the seeming lack of data to track how and why this happens. I support this advocacy effort because it is important for all women to feel safe in our societies. We call for enhanced resources and data collection to not only react to these situations. We would like to see these crimes stopped before they happen. ”
“Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Relatives Awareness Day honors the lives impacted and elevates an issue that has too often gone unseen,” Acting Superintendent Andrés E. Chait said. “We have a responsibility to educate with care, acknowledge painful realities, and stand in solidarity with Indigenous communities. This recognition is about awareness, respect, and ensuring our schools are spaces where all histories and experiences are honored.”
“Recognizing Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Relatives Awareness Day is an important step in bringing visibility to a crisis that has been overlooked for far too long. Through education, we can help students better understand this crisis and the importance of respect, safety, and community responsibility,” said Board Member Sherlett Hendy Newbill.
“I am proud to support this resolution to raise awareness and shine an important light on the violence that impacts Indigenous women, girls, and their relatives. We begin our meetings with a land acknowledgement, and resolutions like this affirm that those are not hollow words, but a statement of our values to support and protect the Indigenous students and families we serve,” said Board Member Nick Melvoin.
“I stand in solidarity with Indigenous women, girls, and their relatives impacted by violence, disappearance, and homicide, and recognize the urgent need to confront systemic injustice. We must advance culturally responsive awareness in our schools and ensure the voices, experiences, and truths of indigenous communities are centered, heard, and honored,” said Board Member Karla Griego.
“I’m proud of the progress this District has made to build relationships with our indigenous communities. Recognizing Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Relatives Awareness Day is part of our ongoing commitment to recognize and reflect the needs of our indigenous families and staff,” said Board Member Gonez.
“Their lives mattered. Their stories matter. I’m honored to join in bringing awareness to Indigenous women and relatives who are missing and murdered. I stand firmly with our Indigenous and Tribal communities by fighting for the justice, safety, and dignity these women deserve,” said Board Member Tanya Ortiz Franklin.
Key provisions include directing the Superintendent to identify and share age-appropriate educational resources, promote awareness of the California Feather Alert program, and support partnerships with Native-led organizations to advance community-informed solutions.
This action builds on the District’s ongoing efforts to uplift Indigenous communities and reflects its broader commitment to equity, student safety, and the well-being of all learners.
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Contact:
Grace Medrano, (213) 503-0883, [email protected]