Rep. Dan Newhouse announced on May 4 the introduction of a resolution to designate May 5, 2026, as a National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández joined Newhouse in introducing the measure.
The proposed day aims to draw national attention to violence affecting Indigenous women and girls. “Indigenous women and girls continue to face heightened violence that is tearing families and communities apart,” said Newhouse. He also said there are dozens of open cases in Washington State alone, with many crimes going underreported or unreported nationwide.
Leger Fernández said, “The U.S. can no longer look away from the pain and injustice endured by Indigenous families whose mothers, daughters, sisters, and relatives have gone missing or been murdered.” She added that honoring this day brings national attention to an ongoing crisis caused by insufficient laws protecting Indigenous women and children.
Several members of Congress have co-sponsored the resolution, which has support from organizations including the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, National Congress of American Indians (NCAI), Midwest Alliance of Sovereign Tribes, Yakama Nation, Seattle Indian Health Board, Urban Indian Health Institute, National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center (NIWRC), and Muscogee (Creek) Nation.
Hazen Shopbell, Chair of the Tulalip Tribes said,“The Tulalip Tribes stand in solidarity with Tribal Nations across the country in recognizing May 5 as the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. We thank Congressman Dan Newhouse for his continued leadership in bringing national attention to this crisis… Today, and every day, we honor the lives taken too soon…and renew our commitment to building a future where our communities are safe—where there are no more stolen sisters.”
Other tribal leaders echoed calls for federal action. Dustin Klatush from Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation said,”The resolution shines a necessary light on a crisis that our tribal communities have endured for decades… The Chehalis Tribe appreciates Congressman Newhouse’s attention to … improve tribal law enforcement.” Jarred-Michael Erickson from Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation stated support for both Newhouse’s efforts on awareness as well as dedicated federal law enforcement presence.
Shannon Holsey from Stockbridge-Munsee Band stressed that more than symbolism is needed: “This crisis reflects a continued failure to fully uphold the federal trust responsibility to Tribal Nations…awareness must now translate into accountability…” Gerald Lewis from Yakama Nation highlighted resource challenges facing tribes: “There are many actions that could assist in combating this issue … To accomplish this, support must be provided … through legislative action… Together we can work to bring our people home.” Bazil-Lu Windy Boy also called for increased resources so “our loved ones … return home safely every night.”
Lucy R. Simpson with NIWRC concluded: “This day provides a space for families …to raise awareness…heal…and advocate for lasting change…. NIWRC strongly supports designation of May 5 as National Day of Awareness….”
Dan Newhouse is currently serving in Congress representing Washington’s 4th district after replacing Doc Hastings in 2015 according to his biography. He previously served in Washington’s House of Representatives between 2003-2009 as reported by Biographical Directory. Born in Sunnyside in 1955 where he still resides according to Vote Smart, he graduated from Washington State University with a Bachelor’s degree as noted by WSU.
