Carolyn DeFord was hoping for change. She was hoping for answers. She’s been hoping for 24 years.
It was Feb. 18, 2019, and DeFord was making the long trip from her home in central Washington to Oregon — a drive she had made many times to search for her missing mother, Leona Kinsey, who disappeared from her home in La Grande, Oregon, in 1998. This time the drive was different. DeFord was traveling to testify in the Oregon Capitol.
A first-of-its-kind bill in Oregon would declare missing Native American women a statewide emergency, launch an investigation into the crisis and produce a report designed to decipher the underpinnings of the problem. DeFord, a citizen of the Puyallup Tribe of Indians, thought it could make a real difference.
“I went just hoping to have a couple of minutes to share,” DeFord said.
She discussed the story of her mother’s disappearance, how she seemed to vanish. The coffee pot was on, the beloved dogs in the yard — but Leona was gone. Nearly 25 years later, Leona remains missing and police have made no arrests related to her case.
The 2019 bill, sponsored by Rep. Tawna Sanchez, passed, but it hasn’t made the difference DeFord hoped.
Five years after DeFord made that long drive to Salem, there have been state and federal reports examining the problem of missing and murdered Indigenous people, a series of proposed improvements, and a handful of public events and photo ops. But there has been little progress on the main recommendations to improve data management and information sharing among law enforcement and the public, and to improve trust between tribal communities and law enforcement.
Oregon state Rep. Tawna Sanchez attends an MMIP listening session at the University of Oregon in January 2020. (Photo by Brian Bull / KLCC)
Key leaders have had little to say about the lack of progress. Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek — who was speaker of the House when DeFord testified — said in December that she had not had a conversation about the issue since she was in the Legislature or read the 4-year-old recommendations of a task force in the report bearing her signature.
“I’m just brutally upfront, I have not read those recommendations,” Kotek said. “To be honest, I haven’t had a conversation about this topic, probably since the Legislature. I know in 2019, I was supportive of the work that Representative Sanchez was doing. The Legislature did move forward on the recognition of the issue, how serious it is, asked for a report. And my guess is, it kind of got lost in the COVID conversation.”
Despite defining the ongoing disappearances of Native American women as a “statewide emergency,” the pandemic sidelined a “listening and understanding” tour to gauge the scope of the crisis. There is still no centralized system for sharing data or coordinating investigative efforts, and no single agency or official is accountable for implementing the report’s recommendations. Tribal advocates criticize the state for including few Native American voices in their efforts, and they emphasize that the cascading effects of long-standing failures of trust between Indigenous people, government systems and law enforcement remain.
Desiree Coyote, a family violence prevention manager for the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation and an anti-trafficking and missing and murdered Indigenous persons advocate, said the process is failing Indigenous communities. Coyote said that after 25 years of advocating for Indigenous women, she’s not surprised by the lack of awareness.
“The United States continuously makes us invisible, systems continually don’t include us at the table, and that continues to make us invisible,” Coyote said. “Could be lack of time, lack of energy, could be that none of the people surrounding (Kotek) and … addressing what’s going on in Oregon is keeping her up to date on tribal nations. So, I’m not surprised, I’m not angry — it’s just what it is.”
Sanchez, D-North Portland, said she’s disappointed that there hasn’t been more concrete progress. Sanchez, who is the second Indigenous person to serve in the Oregon Legislature, said she is considering proposing legislation to press forward on efforts to improve data collection and coordination.
“For now, (addressing MMIP) will have to be legal issues around how we do the work, how criminal justice responds to communities of color — but the long term, the deeply embedded systemic racism and oppression in this country, has to be addressed at some point,” Sanchez said. “It’s like picking with one little pickax at an iceberg — it’s going to take some time.”
Identifying the crisis
In the past decade, there’s been growing awareness and acknowledgment of a long-standing crisis — the disproportionate disappearances and murders of Indigenous people, particularly women.
Nationally, estimates of unsolved cases of missing and murdered Indigenous people number in the thousands. For Indigenous females between the ages of 1 and 45, homicide is one of the top 10 causes of death.
The study by the National Institute of Justice found that more than 4 in 5 Native American and Alaska Native people have experienced violence in their lifetimes, with over 30% reporting violence in the prior year.
In response to the high rates of violence against Indigenous women, Oregon passed a bill calling for the Oregon State Police to study ways to improve resources for reporting and investigating cases of missing and murdered Indigenous women. The resulting report, published in September 2020, made recommendations for partnering with federal task forces, providing cultural awareness training to officers, strengthening partnerships with Indigenous communities, and improving data collection.
Oregon State Police has implemented some of the report’s recommendations, including appointing a coordinator for their response efforts. They have also hired a tribal liaison to work with tribes on missing persons cases. Additionally, the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training now offers training on working with tribal populations to all new officers.
Despite these efforts, advocates on the ground say that progress is slow, with working groups discussing the issues only periodically. Furthermore, there are concerns about poor communication with tribal communities and the exclusion of Indigenous voices in the preparation of the state report.
Overall, there is a recognition of the need to address the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous people, but there is still much work to be done to ensure the safety and well-being of Native American and Alaska Native communities. Coyote, the only Indigenous community member of the group, highlighted the challenges faced during the listening tour sessions. The lack of trust in law enforcement within Native American communities made it difficult to gather information effectively. Despite holding sessions at various tribal locations and universities, the report fell short of visiting all federally recognized tribes in Oregon. The findings underscored the historical distrust of law enforcement and the need for community-based advocates in addressing cases of missing and murdered Indigenous persons (MMIP). The data collection methods were inconsistent, leading to a lack of centralized information on missing Indigenous peoples in Oregon. The issue of trust and data sharing remains a significant barrier in addressing the crisis effectively. Eight active cases The identified individual is John Doe. : the report are several key issues that need to be addressed.
Accident – Death – Obituary News : : 1. Oregon Native American women
2. Missing Native American women
Carolyn DeFord has been searching for answers for 24 years since her mother, Leona Kinsey, went missing in 1998. She testified in the Oregon Capitol to support a bill declaring missing Native American women a statewide emergency. Despite efforts from leaders like Rep. Tawna Sanchez, progress has been slow in addressing the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous people. Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek admitted to not reading the recommendations or discussing the issue since the Legislature. Desiree Coyote, a tribal advocate, criticized the lack of awareness and inclusion of Native American voices in addressing the crisis. Sanchez emphasized the need for concrete progress and addressing systemic racism in the long term. A 2022 study by the National Institute of Justice revealed that over 80% of Native American and Alaska Native individuals have experienced violence in their lifetimes, with 30% reporting violence within the past year. In response, Oregon’s legislation prompted the Oregon State Police to investigate missing and murdered Indigenous women in the state. The resulting report made recommendations such as partnering with federal task forces, educating officers on Native history, and improving data collection. The state has since taken steps to address these issues, including hiring a tribal liaison and providing jurisdictional training to law enforcement officers. Despite these efforts, advocates stress the need for more inclusive communication and faster action to address the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous people. Coyote, the sole Indigenous community member of a group focused on missing and murdered Indigenous persons (MMIP) in Oregon, emphasized the challenges faced during the listening tour due to historic distrust of law enforcement by Native American communities. Despite holding listening sessions at various tribal locations, the report was criticized for not including all federally recognized tribes in Oregon. The lack of trust in law enforcement was highlighted as a major barrier for Indigenous peoples reporting missing loved ones, leading to a reliance on community members for support. Data collection issues were also identified as a key problem, with inconsistent methods hindering efforts to accurately quantify the crisis. Oregon, like many states, struggles with the racial misclassification of Indigenous peoples when reporting missing persons. This leads to inaccurate data on missing Indigenous individuals, hindering efforts to address the issue. The lack of centralized data makes it challenging to identify trends or connections in disappearances. Washington state serves as a model with its robust centralized data system and notifications for missing Indigenous persons. Implementing a similar system in Oregon could greatly benefit law enforcement in addressing missing persons cases. Advocates emphasize the need for community-led efforts to effectively address missing Indigenous persons, as police-led initiatives may fall short. Are you looking for a reliable and efficient solution to your digital marketing needs? Look no further! Our team of experts specializes in providing top-notch SEO services that will help your website rank higher in search engine results pages. With our proven strategies and techniques, we can help drive more traffic to your site and increase your online visibility. Whether you’re a small business or a large corporation, we have the tools and knowledge to help you succeed in the competitive online landscape. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you achieve your digital marketing goals.
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The crisis has been fueled by a lack of accurate data and coordination among law enforcement agencies, as well as historical mistrust between Indigenous communities and government authorities. Many cases have gone unsolved, leaving families without closure and justice. The issue is especially prevalent in states with large Native American populations, such as Oregon.
Efforts to address the crisis have been slow-moving and fragmented. While bills like the one sponsored by Rep. Tawna Sanchez have brought attention to the issue, concrete action has been lacking. Without a centralized system for data sharing and investigative efforts, cases continue to fall through the cracks.
Advocates like Desiree Coyote emphasize the need for a more inclusive and comprehensive approach to addressing missing and murdered Indigenous people. Without the voices of Native American communities at the forefront, solutions will continue to be ineffective. Coyote’s experience in advocating for Indigenous women highlights the ongoing struggle for visibility and justice.
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As the issue of missing and murdered Indigenous people remains unresolved, the work of leaders like Rep. Tawna Sanchez becomes even more crucial. Sanchez’s proposed legislation to improve data collection and coordination is a step in the right direction, but more action is needed to address the systemic racism and oppression that underpin the crisis.
Ultimately, the ongoing disappearances of Native American women must be recognized as a priority at the state and federal levels. Without a concerted effort to address the root causes of the crisis, Indigenous communities will continue to suffer from a lack of justice and closure. It’s time for leaders to take meaningful action and ensure that the voices of Indigenous people are heard and respected.
For Carolyn DeFord and other families of missing Indigenous women, the fight for answers continues. It’s time for the government to step up and fulfill its responsibility to protect and serve all members of society, regardless of their background or ethnicity.
As the search for Leona Kinsey and other missing Indigenous women continues, the need for systemic change becomes increasingly urgent. It’s time for Oregon and the rest of the country to confront the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous people head-on and work towards a more just and equitable society for all.
The listening tour was abruptly cut short, and the work group never visited the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation or the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, the two largest tribes in Oregon. Instead, the group met only with the tribal police forces and the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde.
Advocates and tribal leaders say the exclusion of community-based advocates and the limited engagement with tribal communities speaks to a broader issue of systemic racism and lack of meaningful consultation with Indigenous peoples in Oregon.
“This is a system that has been designed to fail Native women and girls,” said Sanchez, who is a member of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde.
Sanchez says the lack of engagement with tribal communities and the exclusion of community-based advocates from the process result in a report that fails to accurately represent the experiences and perspectives of those most affected by the crisis.
Advocates are calling for a more inclusive and community-centered approach to addressing the MMIP crisis, one that centers the voices and experiences of Indigenous peoples and prioritizes meaningful consultation and engagement with tribal communities.
As the state of Oregon continues to grapple with the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women, advocates say it is essential for the state to take a more holistic and inclusive approach to addressing the issue.
By centering the voices and experiences of Indigenous peoples and prioritizing meaningful engagement with tribal communities, Oregon can begin to address the root causes of the crisis and work towards creating a safer and more just society for all.
As the state of Oregon continues to grapple with the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women, advocates say it is essential for the state to take a more holistic and inclusive approach to addressing the issue.
By centering the voices and experiences of Indigenous peoples and prioritizing meaningful engagement with tribal communities, Oregon can begin to address the root causes of the crisis and work towards creating a safer and more just society for all.
As the state of Oregon continues to grapple with the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women, advocates say it is essential for the state to take a more holistic and inclusive approach to addressing the issue.
By centering the voices and experiences of Indigenous peoples and prioritizing meaningful engagement with tribal communities, Oregon can begin to address the root causes of the crisis and work towards creating a safer and more just society for all.
As the state of Oregon continues to grapple with the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women, advocates say it is essential for the state to take a more holistic and inclusive approach to addressing the issue.
By centering the voices and experiences of Indigenous peoples and prioritizing meaningful engagement with tribal communities, Oregon can begin to address the root causes of the crisis and work towards creating a safer and more just society for all.
Despite the lack of comprehensive data, Coyote and other advocates are pushing for increased data collection efforts to better understand the issue of missing and murdered Indigenous persons (MMIP) in Oregon. Coyote emphasized the need for a centralized database that includes information from all agencies involved in missing persons cases, as well as the input of tribal communities.
“Without accurate data, we cannot fully grasp the extent of the crisis facing Indigenous peoples in Oregon,” Coyote said. “We need a comprehensive and collaborative approach to data collection that respects the sovereignty of tribal nations and ensures the voices of Indigenous communities are heard.”
Advocates are also calling for more resources and support for families of missing Indigenous persons, who often face financial, emotional, and logistical challenges in their search for their loved ones. Coyote stressed the importance of community-led initiatives that prioritize the well-being and safety of Indigenous peoples.
“We need to center the voices and experiences of Indigenous communities in our efforts to address MMIP cases,” Coyote said. “By working together and building trust, we can create a more just and equitable system that protects and uplifts Indigenous peoples.”
As the only Indigenous community member of the group, Coyote continues to advocate for meaningful change and accountability in addressing the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous persons in Oregon. She remains committed to working with law enforcement, legislators, and community members to ensure that the voices of Indigenous peoples are heard and respected.
With ongoing efforts to improve data collection, increase community engagement, and address systemic barriers, Coyote and other advocates are hopeful that progress can be made in preventing future cases of missing and murdered Indigenous persons in Oregon. By amplifying Indigenous voices and centering community-led solutions, they aim to create a safer and more just future for Indigenous peoples in the state.
**Missing Indigenous Persons Cases in Oregon**
In a recent report by the Oregon State Police (OSP), it was revealed that there are eight active murder cases involving Indigenous victims in the state. This highlights a critical issue of racial misclassification of Indigenous peoples in missing persons reports, which further complicates accurate tracking of the numbers of missing Indigenous individuals.
**Challenges with Data Collection**
One of the main challenges in addressing Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) cases in Oregon is the lack of centralized data. Without a comprehensive database, it is impossible to identify trends or links in disappearances, making it difficult for law enforcement to effectively respond to these cases. While there have been improvements in media coverage of missing Indigenous persons in the Portland metro area, rural areas and tribal populations still lack adequate attention.
**Washington State’s Example**
Washington state has taken significant steps towards addressing missing Indigenous persons cases by implementing a centralized data system. When an Indigenous person goes missing, the state issues notifications similar to Amber Alerts and produces weekly reports listing active missing Indigenous persons cases across all jurisdictions. Law enforcement officials in Oregon, such as Tim Addleman from the Umatilla Tribal Police Department, believe that adopting a similar system in Oregon would greatly benefit efforts to address missing persons cases.
**Legislation for Better Data Collection**
State Representative Sanchez is advocating for legislation mandating a better data collection system for MMIP cases in Oregon. While the specifics of the legislation are still being determined, the goal is to create a more efficient and effective system for tracking missing Indigenous individuals. The ultimate aim is to improve the response and resources available for these cases, especially in areas where Indigenous populations are at a higher risk.
**Community-Led Efforts**
Indigenous advocates argue that a shift towards community-led efforts is essential in addressing MMIP cases. While law enforcement plays a crucial role, community involvement and support are equally important in ensuring that missing persons cases are properly addressed. By empowering tribal communities and improving communication between agencies, Oregon can make significant strides in addressing the issue of missing Indigenous individuals.
**A Personal Story**
Leona Kinsey’s case serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by Indigenous families in seeking justice for their missing loved ones. Despite efforts from advocacy organizations and law enforcement, there has been little progress in finding answers for Leona’s disappearance. The case highlights the need for a more coordinated and proactive approach to addressing MMIP cases in Oregon.
**Moving Forward**
As Oregon works towards improving its data collection and response to MMIP cases, there is a growing recognition of the need for comprehensive and community-driven solutions. By learning from the experiences of other states, such as Washington, and listening to the voices of Indigenous advocates, Oregon can make meaningful progress in addressing the issue of missing and murdered Indigenous persons. It is imperative that all stakeholders work together to ensure that every missing person, regardless of their background, receives the attention and resources they deserve. the latest trends in sustainable fashion
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