PIERRE, S.D. – Governor Noem recognizes today as Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Day. It is a day to remember all indigenous people who have lost their lives and are missing in South Dakota.

“I can only imagine the sorrow and the grief the families of missing and murdered indigenous persons endure,” said Governor Noem. “We have made a lot of progress, but there is still more to be done. The collaboration of the State and Tribal entities is critical to combatting this crisis in South Dakota. We can all make a difference by educating ourselves and others and working together.”

Governor Noem has advocated for this issue since she was in Congress. Governor Noem:

Co-sponsored the “Protect Our Native Women Act” and anti-human trafficking legislation;

Sponsored the “AMBER Alert in Indian Country Act” to make tribes eligible for AMBER Alert grants;

As Governor, worked with the legislature to pass major anti-human trafficking legislation; and,

Created and fully funded the Office of Liaison for Missing and Murdered Indigenous People.

Resources regarding missing and murdered indigenous persons, including the missing persons clearinghouse, can be found here.