The Department of the Interior and the Department of Justice have released new guidelines aimed at improving media coverage on missing or murdered Indigenous peoples (MMIP) and human trafficking. This announcement coincides with the 2024 White House Tribal Nations Summit, which is a platform for discussions between the Biden-Harris administration and leaders from 574 federally recognized Tribes.
American Indian and Alaska Native communities face a higher risk of violence, murder, or going missing. The new guidelines are designed to assist journalists, family members, Tribal, and federal officials in raising awareness about these cases.
These guidelines were developed after extensive discussions among federal representatives, advocates, and members of the Not Invisible Act Commission. A roundtable discussion moderated by Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs Bryan Newland included over 200 participants such as journalists, survivors, community advocates, and officials.
Key recommendations include encouraging journalists to humanize victims and build trust with Native communities. Family members and advocates are advised to use established channels for information submission and leverage social media. Law enforcement agencies are encouraged to release information promptly to the media and provide training for Public Information Officers.
The Departments have been working closely in response to the Commission's recommendations. This includes a partnership between Interior’s Missing and Murdered Unit and the Federal Bureau of Investigation under Operation Not Forgotten.
Attorney General Garland and Secretary Haaland have led efforts under the Biden-Harris administration to address violent crime rates in Indian Country. In August, they visited New Mexico to discuss strategies with federal and Tribal leaders.
