Rep. Newhouse Highlights Violence Against Indigenous Women in Yakima

Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) and Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández (D-NM) announced the introduction of a resolution to designate May 5, 2026, as a National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.

MANY UNSOLVED CASES REMAIN IN WA STATE

“Indigenous women and girls continue to face heightened violence that is tearing families and communities apart," says Rep. Newhouse. He says in Washington state dozens of cases remain open, and many go unreported nationwide. Recognizing this day will shine a light on this crisis and Newhouse says, remind Congress of the "duty to support Native communities and address these heinous crimes.”

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TIME FOR CONGRESS TO TAKE ACTION AND SOLVE THE PROBLEM

Rep. Fernández says it's time for action, saying, “the U.S. can no longer ignore the pain endured by Indigenous families."
She says honoring this day brings national attention to a crisis caused by a lack of laws and enforcement saying congress has a moral obligation to invest in services that protect Indigenous women and children and prevent further tragedies.

LOTS OF SUPPORT FOR THE RESOLUTION

The resolution is supported by several members of Congress, including Reps. Maria Salazar, Suzanne Bonamici, Mike Thompson, Dusty Johnson, Ed Case, Julie Fedorchak, Mike Simpson, Jake Ellzey, Jeff Hurd, Stephanie Bice, Andy Biggs, and Eli Crane.

ORGANIZATIONS ALSO BACKING THE PROPOSAL

It also has backing from numerous organizations, such as the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, National Congress of American Indians, Midwest Alliance of Sovereign Tribes, Yakama Nation, Seattle Indian Health Board, Urban Indian Health Institute, National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center, and Muscogee (Creek) Nation.
The resolution aims to raise awareness and spur action to combat the ongoing crisis of violence against Indigenous women and girls across the nation.