From MSU News Service
Montana State University will recognize National Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples’ Day of Awareness with events Thursday, May 4th, and Friday, May 5th. All the events are free and open to the public.
The two-day program aims to encourage hope and healing for families and friends of missing and murdered Indigenous people, community advocates, and survivors, said Nick Ross-Dick, chair of the MMIP Day of Awareness planning committee and program manager for MSU’s American Indian/Alaska Native Student Success Services.
“We hope to facilitate healing and awareness for such a significant movement and are honored to provide an opportunity to commemorate those loved ones we have lost and those who are still missing or have survived violence,” said Ross-Dick.
A full agenda of the program is below.
Thursday, May 4th
6pm: Documentary Screening – “Who She Is” featuring a discussion with directors Jordan Dresser and Sophie Barksdale, in MSU’s American Indian Hall.
Friday, May 5th
9–10am: Self-guided Exhibit – “The Stories We Are,” in American Indian Hall.
11:30am–12:10pm: Call to action with Rae Peppers and elder’s blessing with Vernon Sooktis, followed by a prayer walk beginning and ending on Sunrise Plaza outside American Indian Hall.
12:20–12:45pm: Healing Red Regalia Dance and Round Dance with the Bobcat Singers.
1pm: Community feed in American Indian Hall.
2–3pm: Talking circle in American Indian Hall’s Elders Collaboration Room.
The event is sponsored by MSU’s Center for American Indian and Rural Health Equity, College of Education, Health and Human Development, Counseling and Psychological Services, Department of Native American Studies, Diversity and Inclusion Student Commons, MMIP-MSU Student Association, Montana INBRE, Norm Asbjornson College of Engineering, Office of the Dean of Students, President’s Office, VOICE Center and Women’s Center. •
