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Montana continues to rank in the top ten states in the nation for the number of reported cases of missing and murdered Indigenous people (MMIP).
A halftime presentation at a recent Montana State University Billings (MSUB) women’s basketball game used half-time – and the power of silence – to raise awareness.
Yellowstone Public Radio’s Orlinda Worthington brings us the story.
At half time of the MSUB Lady Yellowjackets game instead of the usual loud commotion of the jazz band, cheerleaders, and overhead announcements in the Alterowitz gym, there is silence.
Spectators grew quiet as more that 50 Native American women, men, and children circle the basketball court in silence, each holding a large photo of a missing or murdered friend or loved one.
Daniel LaForge carried a picture of his sister, the second family member killed by violence.
“We’re seeking justice for my sister. To this point we still haven’t had a court date to where we have been able to get that justice so any kind of awareness we can bring to her situation and help us get that justice is something that we’re striving for.”
It may seem an unusual pairing, a high energy basketball game coupled with the somber issue of MMIP, but the February 17 game brought the issue to center court.
Randy Bear Don’t Walk is the Native Success Coordinator for MSUB.
He explains the significance.
“Basketball is huge in Native American culture. And it’s a way to draw the community closer. It’s a way to present our plight that we battle on a daily basis. You know, the missing and murdered Indigenous woman is a huge issue in our community. And a lot of times it’s, uh, swept under the rug, if you will.”
Photo: Orlinda Worthington
Raising awareness of MMIP started the game too.
The MSUB team entered the gym–wearing red T-shirts with the phrase, “No More Stolen Sisters.”
The change in warm up gear was in support of the half time event, sponsored by Missing and Murdered Indigenous People Billings.
Facilitate it – and honor the 65 missing people recognized during the silent halftime.
“Thank you to all you brave people who came out today.”
Master of Ceremonies Jana Schmieding.
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Indian Energy is hosting the 2024 Tribal Clean Energy Summit this week in Temecula, Calif.
The biannual event brings together tribal leaders, community members, and energy partners from across the county to focus on clean energy development for tribal communities.
More than 700 people are expected to attend this year’s summit.
On Tuesday, comedian Jana Schmieding is MCing the event and U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm will deliver remarks.
According to the DOE, Sec. Granholm will discuss the Biden Administration’s commitment to strengthening engagement with tribes to build a clean energy economy.
The summit is intended to provide a space for tribal leaders to build networks and explore clean energy projects.
The DOE says these types of projects can create jobs and enhance climate resilience.
Courtesy Sealaska Heritage Institute
Sealaska Heritage Institute is holding a public ceremony this week to welcome home a historic Chilkat robe to Alaska.
It was purchased by six people in the Lower 48 states and donated to the institute.
The piece is estimated to be at least 150 years old.
The ceremony will include a special recognition of the donors and weavers who assisted in securing its return.
The event will feature a traditional Spirit Dance to welcome it home and bring life back into the robe.
Chilkat weaving is unique to Northwest Coast cultures, and functions as a clan or ceremonial object within the Native community.
The private nonprofit, Sealaska Heritage Institute, promotes Alaska Native arts, cultures, history, and education.
The ceremony is scheduled for Friday afternoon in Juneau and will also be streamed online.
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